The Poisoned Cocoon series is inspired by the birth of my son and my instinctive need to protect and nurture him. Influenced by their protective vessel qualities, I loosely use cocoons as a visual metaphor to represent my experience as a parent.

Each sculpture hangs from the wall like a chrysalis hangs from a branch or a leaf. These sculptures are also inspired by amalgamations of mechanical and cast iron objects, robotics, science fiction, as well as contemporary creatures that have poisoned and/or manipulated DNA. Additionally, I have embedded the Poisoned Cocoons with trompe-l'oiel apparatuses like blades, propellers, and spikes. Representative of the visceral need for life to defend itself, these sharp objects are reminiscent of natural and human-made protective devices.

Furthermore, various miniature masks and/or babyish faces are embedded in each sculpture. I am interested in the anthropomorphic quality of various aboriginal masks as a way to represent not only humans, but also other mammalian life. Furthermore, I see a correlation between the ancient animism and zoomorphic qualities of some native cultures' masks (e.g. African, Mexican) and a wild future life that could result from humanity's manipulation of the natural world.

These sculptures' disparate and often confusing influences are a visual representation of my hopeful attempt to understand and respond to parenting in the twenty-first century; a time of human induced environmental devastation, loss of biodiversity, increased natural disaster, violent human conflict, and other frightening aspects of living and raising children on this poisoned planet. Additionally, I see these pieces as interpretations of future life on planet earth.

Gerard Justin Ferrari
May 2010