Targe No. 3: Birds And Bones / Freedom And Decay Sculpture by Rachelle Gardner-Roe

Sculpture: Plastic, Resin, Metal on Plastic, Other.

Media: PLA filament (for 3D printing pen), resin, iron, patina

Part of a non-traditional exploration of lace in the exhibition, A Certain Kind of Armor, this work is a sculptural wall panel. Using 3D printing pens to preserve the core acts of drawing and writing, Gardner-Roe references shield and body forms that allude to systems of protection through layers of metal and patinas, yet deny a literal translation. The open lacelike network of this body of sculpture begs the question, “What is being protected?”

The size and shape of "Targe No. 3: Birds And Bones / Freedom And Decay" references traditional Scottish Highlander shields. Regarding the theme of protection, I often think about how to protect that childlike sense of exuberance when we first picked up a crayon, especially as a working artist. Thus, the imagery in this work references childhood memories of growing up in the rural Midwest.

Lastly, I am often asked how these pieces are made. It is a layered process that starts out with a 3D printing pen (imagine a hand-held 3D printer, controlled by the artist's hand rather than a computer). After the initial "drawing" is made on glass, I then thicken my line weights with resin and lastly, the work is coated in metal, ironin this case. Since real metal is applied, making it essentially plated, I can then patina the work like traditional sculpture. Thus, the colors seen are either the iron itself or a chemical reaction with the iron.

This work is mounted on 3/4" white PCV panel with a 3/4" beveled edge. The metal has been sealed to prevent further oxidation and changes in color.