Artist Statement
Several years ago, two of Howard Fullmer's three children were old enough to mow lawns for spending money. The youngest however couldn't, but still wanted to make money like his siblings. Knowing that gun enthusiasts often went to an outdoor shooting range nearby, his father took him to collect spent bullet-brass shells to recycle. While salvaging, Fullmer noticed that as the brass aged, its patina darkened giving a collective full-value spectrum from bright yellow to a dull blue black. It occurred that fired brass could be arranged by value on a surface to create a recognizable image.
Not necessarily a gun fan, Fullmer has never owned a gun. (While he did once win a rifle as a prize, it was traded within the week, unused, for a bicycle.) He is troubled by the violence in the world, in his country and neighborhood. His work calls into question causes that breed hatred, bigotry and anger while recognizing that, when diplomacy and negotiation fail, weapons are sometimes required to protect society against criminals, unjust governments and depots.
“I find it interesting that an inanimate object can be the subject of so much controversy, hatred and violence while at the same time held with reverence, devotion and justice. So much contradiction. Therefore, I use fired bullet brass to intentionally create ambiguity that can be taken in ways that reinforce the viewers individual ideals and incite discussion and debate. For example, is an American flag created by bullet brass a symbol of the US brand being hijacked by guns, or is it a visual representation of the root of America's liberty?”
Interestingly enough...it can be both.
Should Not Perish
Brass shell casings
Content of Character
Brass shell casings
