Memorial Day is an American holiday honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, often holding family gatherings and picnics. It will also be celebrated by the display of flags, the sound of bugles and drums, by parades and speeches and unthinking applause.
Memorial Day should be a day for putting flowers on graves and planting trees. Also, for destroying the weapons of death that endanger us more than they protect us, that waste our resources and threaten our children and grandchildren.
Trish Kent, “Divided States of America”, fused glass, 18″ x 16″, 2019. photo by Pete Duvall.
One of the Resident Artists of the Washington Glass School – Trish Kent – has a stunning new series of art works that have a strong political charge. Trish’s works had earlier focused on aspects of femininity, often making cast glass dresses that emphasized the feel and flow of fabric as it drapes the female form.
Trish Kent, Dress Series, kilnformed glass.
She started incorporating the disturbing cultural aspects that she felt should be addressed into her work – making her dresses feature guns and bullets as part of her work.
Patricia Kent, “Crying Bullets”; fused glass. Photo by Pete Duvall.
Her newest series unabashedly deals with gun politics in the United States. The U.S. has the highest estimated number of guns per capita, at 120.5 guns for every 100 people. Her new work also touches on the divisive nature of the current political scene, with the American flag shown in a violently deconstructed manner. The work is thoughtful, powerful and moving. The use of the craft medium of glass to express a charged emotional concept is where the art form needs to go. Taking her skills and techniques and telling a story from her heart is exciting.
Bravo Ms Kent, on the new series, looking forward to seeing the full set!