"...of Russell Ugly," sculpture (sensitive subject matter)

This is a life-cast portrait of Russell when he was using heroin. I feared so deeply for him during those times and worried every day that I would get a call that he had overdosed or that he would just disappear. I took this cast of his face, manipulated the wax casting, cast it in bronze and titled it "The Deathmask of Russell Ugly" to symbolize the pain I would experience if his heroin use consumed him and to express my fears. The heroin drips are ever-present, waging a precarious battle with the "real" him, with his actual face/being. At the time I didn't know which would win, thankfully it was him. I'm so proud of him for being so strong and resolving himself to overcome his demons. I <3 you always, my mindsex lover. I'm glad the form of your face will always be there with me. <3

I have pictures of the process of making this piece (ie taking the life-cast of Russell's face). I'll post them eventually.