Memory by Miranda Smith

My piece, “Memory,” is made from a series of colored wax candles molded into the shape of frames. I chose to display this work outside on a rocky incline. This work developed from the idea of memory and specifically represents the concept of fading memories. By lighting these candles, the wax will melt into a puddle of color and eventually disappear. Thus it is something that cannot be revisited but only remembered, like a loved one who passed away.

To create the frames I made molds of two rectangular frames with traditional frame shapes. I used both bright and muted colors to represent different kinds of memories and to create something that would catch people’s attention.

I was inspired by Freda Kahlo’s work, especially the detail that she puts into the frames of her paintings. She treats her frames as part of the work, not just as something that contains her work. I also drew from my previous sculpture, “All Dolled Up,” and tried to continue in the style which I call “My Grandmother’s Attic.” In this style, I strive to create sculptures that look like they could be found in a grandmother’s attic, but also to give the pieces a modern spin; for instance, in this piece I used color to make the frames more modern.