Listening - in process

I began working on this piece knowing it will be called “Listening” and that the men are wise. It was only later I suspected its connection to my father. I thought the glass was dictating what it wanted. The 9mm layers of translucent and opaque Bullseye seemed almost didactic to me.

When my family and I went out to celebrate my parents’ anniversary I noticed my father’s dramatic ears.  I was taking photographs against the magnificent Trinidad, California sunset.  I had already discarded the boring photographs of my ears. My fathers’ practically jumped up and waved at me, as if to divulge what my subconscious long knew.

His ears border an incredible intelligence, poetic mind, a skeptical sensibility and affable humor.  Because of his WWII duties as a navigator in a B24 he has difficulty hearing. 

His listening, and our speaking with him; have a unique character. There are many relationships we all have where voice is not our main means of communication. Often the communication is deeper and clearer.

My attention is riveted by sensory abilities, often enhanced by disability. ---- The only reason I use the word disability is to use a recognizable term.  With this piece, I am exploring the depths of listening.

Listening, Glass carving in process, 18"h x 16"w x 1/2"
rubber resist on, the white is glass being carved.