John Brickels

Under was inspired by the real-life juxtaposition of a homeless encampment and a former historic orphanage on the Merrimack River. A former historic orphanage building being renovated into luxury apartments displayed an advertising banner that read in bold red letters, “Live Above it All!”. Just up the river was a well-established homeless encampment. I thought it appropriate to use my “Artistic License” to bring these 2 modes of living together in a sculpture.

Pondering what would be the least likely machine that would be powered by steam, I envisioned a 35mm movie projector in the Steampunk style. The variety of shapes and forms that make up a projector provided me a wealth of creative design possibilities. The film winding its way through the sculpture is an actual trailer for the movie “Kafka", starring Jeremy Irons. Somehow thatseemed appropriate.