stained glass shotgun (part 2)

Final Critique of the Shotgun

A brief history of the shotgun is to be considered while viewing: In 1776, the same year the United States celebrated its nationhood, the term shotgun was first recorded in Kentucky and was noted as “frontier language of the West”. Through time this weapon would gain popularity among bird hunters, guards, and law enforcement officials. Typically, a shotgun is used against small and /or fast moving objects. The spread of the shot allows the user to point close to the target without having to be so precise. The shotgun is a symbol of the American Old West.

The power an individual is given just by holding a gun in his or her hand is scary or invigorating, depending on which end of the gun you stand. Its significance in our history is astounding considering the amount of lives lost because of this technology. Creating a stained glass shotgun glorifies this weapon of destruction, almost comically. The sculpture was formed using a toy shotgun as a mold, its stunted size may be apparent to some, though it is not necessary for understanding the concept. I only hope the viewer recognizes the object and sees the sculpture as a facetious interpretation of a serious image. It stabs at those who glorify these weapons, displaying guns is after all a common practice among many Americans in the West. For those individuals the symbolism behind the gun is historical and powerful, perhaps even patriotic. Guns lead the path towards claiming this land and many are proud of this.

The use of stained glass and the color purple were chosen specifically for their historical contexts. Purple was first associated with royalty because of its rarity and expense, it became a color of power and wealth. I felt the color best represented this object of power. In addition, the color lends itself to the humor behind the art and playfully references the original source, a toy gun. Stained glass is most commonly found in cathedrals or churches and the panels reflect religious stories and iconography. In the same manner, the stained glass shotgun glorifies the weapon. The medium already exudes a serious tone, which I enjoy using to my benefit. In this case it is to hide my satirical view of this object in American culture.

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