Silent Sentinels
wool, wood, chicken wire, steel
65 x 55 x 18 inches
2024
 

"Silent Sentinels" is a sculpture inspired by the brown-eyed wolf lichen. Crafted during my residency with the Ark Project at Yellowstone National Park, it's made from felted sheep's wool, chicken wire, and wood, materials chosen for their relevance to wildlife management. The sculpture is 65" wide, 55" tall, and 18" deep, bringing the small lichen to a human scale to highlight its importance in nature.
 

This piece connects to the history of the brown-eyed wolf lichen, which was used as a poison in wolf management, showcasing the complex relationship between humans and wildlife conservation. Created in Yellowstone, a place where the balance between nature and human presence is constantly navigated, the sculpture reflects on this ongoing challenge.
 

Living in the park, I was inspired by the natural surroundings and the efforts to maintain a balance between conservation and tourism. "Silent Sentinels" invites viewers to consider the role of the brown-eyed wolf lichen as an environmental indicator and the broader impact of human interaction with nature.
 

This work aims to spark conversation about conservation, the history of wildlife management, and the importance of coexisting with our environment. It’s a call to think about the ecosystems that support us and how we can protect them.