Eva M. Capobianco

 
   For years my work has combined found objects in ways that I feel give them new life. Focusing on repeated shapes and patterns, the recent pieces turned toward exploring the figurative nature of those elements. These combinations often feel like couples connected by playful, loving and intimate gestures.

When the anti-gay backlash began to be used in this country to divide people for political purposes, I felt so disturbed that I began exploring ways to use my work to address the issue. I started my research, looking for quotes from the arguments against gay marriage and comparing them with those used to oppose inter-racial marriage earlier in our history. After all, for centuries politicians have used wedge issues like these in order to divide groups with otherwise common interests. For me, combining these quotes with my 'couples' has been like creating three dimensional, contemporary illustrated manuscripts.

Playing with Light, 2006, 12x10x10, glass, wood, acrylic

This new work has been a big challenge. During 30 years of making sculpture, my work has rarely incorporated text. There is such a wealth of information, ideas and statistics that illustrate the similarity of the arguments & popular beliefs and fears about inter-racial marriage in the past and gay marriage in the present. Combing through so much material has been demanding. However, I feel so passionate about the issue that I feel compelled to continue wading through it.

May it (Not) Please the Court, 2005, 10x26x13, wood, glass, paper

Loving, 2006, 15x22x7, mixed media

Entwined Couple, 2005, 18x20x13, grape vines, stone

Family Portrait II, 2006, 16x18x12, mixed media

Re-framing Old Arguments, 2005, 20x19x6, wood, glass, bone, paper
 

I would like to dedicate this exhibit to my father, Fred Capobianco, who passed away earlier this year. I learned from him that loving relationships must always be honored and cherished. He also taught me to stand up for my beliefs. I hope he would have been proud of my efforts on both fronts.