"On Fear" is a kiln casting of the nest of a paper wasp.

I grew up with a strong fear of wasps, and this piece represents my personal inquiries into how I relate to and generate narrative surrounding ideas of threat and safety, beauty, grotesqueness, home, routine, and fear. For me the wasp nest is a strong signifier. They may form spontaneously; represent a neglected space, or a space we cannot access. The wasp nest is an active home, full of life, and full of potential danger. The wasp's tendency to demand territory, sting and attack is not necessarily the fault of the wasp, but it is something we must contend with.

I was able to create a mold of the nest by painting thin layers of gesso on the nest over the course of two months. After strengthening the nest to a point where it could survive the weight of mold making materials, I created a silicone mold, cast it in wax, and then kiln cast the nest. It is a solid cast utilizing Czech Boma glass, and the lost wax process.

Turning this extremely light, organic, fragile and unique object into a solid glass casting, is a juxtaposition I enjoy, and allows me to reconsider and remap my relationship to fear. I enjoy the idea of removing language or and having the signifiers of our fear and unease become transparent, and unrecognizable.

16in. w x 16in. h x 16in. l

https://will-beattie.pixpa.com

Silent Auction items close Sep. 26 at 10pm ET.