Hand Bag

I collect objects that intrigue me and use them as source material for artworks. Hand Bag references a small ceramic purchased from a thrift store; a delicate, disembodied hand with narrow fingers and painted nails cradling an empty coin purse. The stylized hand terminates in a ruffled cuff of the same colour. I found the way the ruffle appears to extend from the hand both pleasing and grotesque.

My version of this object is cast from life to retain the texture and idiosyncrasies of an individual hand. The coin purse is sculpted to fit an indent in the flesh of the palm exactly. I am interested in showing the muscles in the hand and the effort required to maintain the gesture.