In December of 2002, Rolling Stone Magazine ran a full page add featuring a blood stained pair of glasses set against the back drop of a hazy New York City skyline.  At the top of the page read this statistic.....'Over 676,000 people have been killed by guns in the U.S.A. since John Lennon was shot and killed on December 8, 1980.'

The use of handguns to create art is a concept I've been exploring since January of 2002. With all due respect, I must tip my hat to the likes of Sigmar Polke, Hunter S. Thompson, and William S. Burroughs; though the actual inspiration for this body of work must be attributed to my Father and his invitation to join him for a day at the firing range during the Christmas of 2001.  

Having worked with guns and targets to the point of some familiarity I still find myself reacting to this strange set of tools with a healthy combination of anxiety and excitement. The concept of using what I view to be tools of destruction, to create works of art, continues to be the driving force behind my desire to explore this particular body of work.

Needless to say, the opportunities for metaphor are plentiful. As for the specific meaning of any piece, I ask the viewer to process the information therein for themselves and relate to it as they like, unencumbered by my own intentions. 

Mediums and materials currently in use:
Pistol Targets
H K .40 caliber semi automatic pistol
Glock 17 9mm semi automatic pistol
Resin

Statement of Intent / Collateral Damage Series

Work on the series began in March of 2007 and was completed in November of the same year.

The eclectic nature of the materials and backgrounds employed in the making of this work reflects my interest in surface, process and color.

A good deal of the backgrounds used are comprised of pistol targets soaked in what amounts to watercolor as well as tea, coffee and wine. The sexually graphic pieces are mostly comprised of pages torn from pornographic magazines.

The series as a whole was designed to engage the viewer in parallel conversations.

The first speaks to my dislike of sexual politics in general, and the manner in which our culture chooses to celebrate the false image of pornography, in particular, as something to be sought after or attained in real time interactions with other human beings.

The second references my contempt for war, US Foreign Policy and our elected political officials who have so steadfastly and routinely served the needs of big business and industry beyond all else, at great expense to us all, as it has always been.

Ellwood T. Risk / November 2007

Exhibit:

Robert Berman Gallery Santa Monica, CA Nov. 17 - Jan. 12 2008