Violent Ends 

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Salvaged Wood, Cast Epoxy.

 

Violent Ends is a two-part installation. On one wall hangs 50 headless axe handles, hand-carved from salvaged walnut, oak, cherry, and maple wood. Mounted on the wall opposite are 50 cast-epoxy axe heads.

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As Americans, our cultural attitude towards our natural environment has been shaped and influenced by the mindsets and actions of the pioneers and frontiersmen who came before us. I argue that their fearful and destructive stance towards uncultivated land is still imbued in the minds of many Americans who claim to be outdoors enthusiasts and yet deny climate change. I attempt to understand and overcome the destructive masculine tendencies of my country’s frontier forefathers.