22”W x 15”D x 24”H

Truncated tree debris after land being cleared for new development

17”W x 22”D x 30”H

“The Collection Box” is conceptual piece and is not an expression or form one typically thinks of for a Tzedakah Box. Tzedakah takes on many forms just as the boxes themselves and not as one always expects.

This repository portrays a space and place where countless Jewish individuals in the concentration camps would have turned, to express Tzedakah/Tzedek. Made from a bed frame and twine are materials that would have been found in and around the barracks, this object could have easily been dismantled and hidden from the Nazi’s. Although all interned were stripped of all material belongings and torn from family, contained in this collection box are reflections of will, hope, and justice.

This bedframe container became the Jews physical ritual object: a reminder for them to do justice. However, the only tangible thing available for them to use was stones. This metal frame also served as a protected space for the human spirit; a space where one could envision and express compassion and good will.

Under the direst of circumstances and against all odds, justice for the Jewish people is their deeply rooted will to carry out fundamental principles of human rights— that of religious and moral freedom. The Collection Box symbolizes the Nazi’s failure to break the Jewish people’s character and faith in which those interned were able to conduct services, improvise on ceremonial objects, memorialize one’s thoughts, and give Tzedakah.

The backstory for this boxes’ creation is striking and calls for us to pay attention. The stones already in place are a marker of injustice, compelling one to fill the future with positivity. The custodian of this space is for them to collect and reflect their commitments throughout the year. The Collection Box is about perseverance, endurance, integrity and hope that although there is injustice in our world, this box symbolically reminds us there is still more work to be done. Today, we do not place stones but rather our pledges reminding one of the just, kind, sympathetic, and generous deeds one has done throughout the year.

6” x 2¼”

On an early evening walk “Shofar” was partially visible nestled amongst pine needles. Uncovered, it conjured up thoughts of a excavation archeological site revealing a primal artifact.

8.5”H x 14”W x 23.5”L

Discarded wet corrugated cardboard is moulded and born into my “pulp people” bringing awareness to our homeless citizens. Cardboard although ordinary, mundane and unassuming in appearance is carefully chosen highlighting uncertainties life poses— reminding us how vulnerable we are and how fragile life is.

7”H x 15”W x 34”L

Discarded wet corrugated cardboard is moulded and born into my “pulp people” bringing awareness to our homeless citizens. Cardboard although ordinary, mundane and unassuming in appearance is carefully chosen highlighting uncertainties life poses— reminding us how vulnerable we are and how fragile life is.