While conducting background research for this project, my thoughts returned again and again to my Catholic upbringing.  

 

An exaggerated emphasis on the shame and mystery of sex, coupled with graphic depictions of suffering — both by Jesus himself as well as a long roster of saints and martyrs — had been linked in my impressionable mind.

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These connections became more clear during the process of shopping for the glass dildos and buttplugs that I incorporated into the assemblages. While searching the web, I was acutely aware of feeling "naughty" — as though the nuns from grade school were watching over my shoulder! 

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With these experiences in mind, I deliberately assembled these pieces in the style of Medieval reliquaries. 

 

The opulent presentation is designed so that the the viewer is compelled to examine more closely, while at the same time feeling an urge to escape the taboo.