War - The Denominator

I saw some broken toy soldiers on the internet. An idea for an assemblage on WAR was born. Months later I did a search and chose to buy these 3 figures. I wanted each figure to be as diverse as possible from the others to cover a broader range of topics. The figures are each from different eras in time, but the common denominator is war. What they all have in common is they are broken and represent childhood or innocence.
I chose the rider on his broken horse to reveal that war not only affects mankind, but the animal kingdom and much broader all life.
The Indian’s foot is broken off. He represents a culture I know little about and their repercussions of war.
The soldier kneeling has suffered great consequence but is still in a shooting position. Perhaps beyond all reasons of war he as an individual has a family to protect.


The next piece for consideration was this round rusty cylinder that my son found in the woods and gave to me. It reminds me of the large end of a barrel and emptiness.


I needed a substrate for the assemblage. After trying a couple of newer wooden boxes I settled on one of my wood casting patterns. I turn it in all directions to find the best position.


Each figure has it’s own compartment and own agenda as they are separated by time.


I also strive to arrange the components in a visually pleasing placement.


Below this figure is the ornamental escutcheon around preconceived riches or prize, but it is covering a hole in the substrate.


I like the rays on this washer.  I chose to enhance rather than cover up this hole with a large brass eyelet.


This hole represents the tiny perspective we have of the giant circle of war.


I painted the recess in the wood casting pattern a darker black to better showcase the toy soldiers.
I have found that words have many definitions and sometimes the opposite of their original intent. So I have included these definitions for my work.

Denominator - the part of a fraction that is below the line and that functions as the divisor of the numerator.
Preconceive - to form a conception or opinion of beforehand, as before seeing evidence or as a result of previously held prejudice.
Substrate - the base on which an organism lives.
Escutcheon - a flat piece of metal for protection and often ornamentation, around a keyhole, door handle, or light switch.