Jenny Rieke :: Sculpture

Sacred Seventh

37h x 37w x 7d (2003) sold

Between three people in deep relationship there exist several levels of affinity: each individual, any two relating to one another, and the seventh entity created between all three persons. In this piece, I am in relationship with my life partner of 24 years and our son. We are bright gems in the interconnected web of all existence that extends infinitely in all directions.

Woven Sticks

8w x 10l x 8d (2003) sold

A weeklong spring camp in the mountains; I teach art to the district sixth graders. Weaving basic God’s Eyes on straight sticks led me to experimenting with dimensional pieces. I found the curly sticks of ponderosa pines while wandering along the Tucannon River between classes. Beyond challenging my weaving skills, this tangent provided observant children a new way of thinking about sticks, yarn, and weaving.

Weave It or Leave It

20h x 14w (2003) sold

With the energy of an ancient totem, this piece burst forth as a general mandate. Whatever you know to be your passion must be integrated into your life now. A true passion fuels work, nurtures the soul, and illuminates the path. Allow your passion to grow in the moment, or let it go!

Heartroots

12h x 10w x 6d (2003) sold

Accepting the fact of my heartbreak was quickly followed by a profound sadness over the loss of a dream. A dear friend suggested that I spend quiet time with myself remembering my ‘heart roots’ – those with whom I’ve grown through relationship. She asked if any images came to mind when meditating upon the many persons in my heart. Here manifests the tangly twist of personalities and influences I felt as I began healing from surgery.

Eternal Link

30w x 25h x 20d (2003)

More tan mere talking heads, these two maintain a heart connection grounded in a mobius strip- a symbol of infinity. Inspired by the appearance of discarded headphones, this piece sculpted itself as I tuned into the lessons of Letting Go. Twisting the last strand of spiky wire ‘hair’ onto the tall head, I realized that this represents me and my son. Eli turns 18 as I make this, and we both understand that he is nearly out of the nest. Our exquisite bond will only continue to deepen as we live and learn.

Winter Marriage

68h x 33w x 23d (2003)

A vintage garment made by my great grandmother Elizabeth, this dress became my solstice prayercloth this winter. Here we have a symbolic wedding dress that celebrates my commitment to myself. The wedding bouquet was Elizabeth’s favorite winter ornamental. The attitude and gesture of the figure is captured in words from a DeBeers jewelry advertisement:

Your left hand declares your commitment.
Your right hand is a declaration of independence.
Your left hand lives for love.
Your right hand lives for the moment.
Your left hand wants to be held.
Your right hand wants to be held high.
Women of the world, raise your right hand.

Turtle Rage

55l x 43w x 7d (2003) sold

Transcending madness, defying gravitational conventions, Turtle celebrates a real rage simmering just beneath my surface. Allowing myself to feel my heart breaking open wide, such rage reveals itself in surprising moments. Uncharacteristically airborne creature that she’s become, Turtle convinces me of a lightness in rage. She makes one perfect vehicle for this journey of letting go.

Finding New Rhythms

5’w x 5’l x 3’d (2003)

Discarded drumheads, misshapen and marked by the forces they’re built to receive, inspired this mobile. Living one day at a time, learning to Let Go, seems to be a matter of balance. The tools of transformation (drumsticks) within three rings are on level with the circle depicting my true nature- a fiery spirit forever seeking the fluid comfort of water. This dynamic inner tension balances with five hoops of transitional energy.

Sound Tapestry

80h x 20w (2004) sold

Music store detritus arranged itself rhythmically into this abstract of my musical son, Eli. A tall, lean, spiked conglomeration woven in considerable tension, this piece of work is all about the pure joy of spontaneous resourceful synthesis. The loom itself is a door frame from our family home, recently sold, as we each stepped through new doors into separate lives.

Out On A Limb

36w x 14h (2004)

Ponderosa pine sticks from the banks of the Tucannon River wound with comfort tones, these ‘nests’ formed as my only child drove west, leaving me to my first-ever solitary winter holiday vacation. I immediately sensed the profound loneliness that would prove to be the resulting counterpoint to my tirelessly focused studio work. In the grip of Eli’s sudden absence, swallowing yet another dose of Just Let Go, I wound these symbols of beautiful vacancy. Meditating upon the various people I now welcome into my home, I felt an unprecedented sense of freedom and balance as each ‘nest’ settled lightly into the outstretched arms of the branch.

Groove Tube Choir

20h x 16w x 17d (open), 10h x 16w x 13”d (closed) (2004) sold

I originally wanted this old Talking Book case to contain a unique collection in an environment that ‘came alive’ each time the lid opened. When my son, Eli, presented me with an assortment of discarded vacuum tubes, I instantly knew that a choir would form. Each angel’s wings are cut from a scrap of Indian silk given to my big sister, Diana, by our stepmother when we were in highschool. Paisleys synchronized, these cherubs croon soulfully under the rhythmic guidance of their director.

Motivation

36” diameter (2004) sold

Carefully chosen tunes and brews energize me throughout the waking hours. Both are integral factors of my productive studio experience. The warm ambience of this fine establishment known as DSWatkins Gallery & Coffeehouse, fueled by the Watkins’ fundamental belief in the value of arts in our lives, inspired the playful concept behind this piece.