I’ve created 2 “Pushover” figures at this point, both out of red earthenware, lowfire clay. I think I could make 100 of these guys before I began to understand the complexity of his (her) character. They refer back to the bozo the clown, blow-up doll that you could punch and he’d come right back up for more. The sculptures are the size of a human infant, much smaller than the original Bozo.

This figure is a continuation of the “Bully” series. He’s essentially the victim of the Dirty Little Business Men. “Pushover #1” doesn’t come right back when he’s pushed, or bullied. He’s unintentionally top heavy. “Pushover #2” was built using proportions that allow the sculpture to right itself. I appreciate them both and am glad that the first one can’t get up after he’s fallen. He needs to lean, lie down, or be held up. He’s more vulnerable than #2. When I first designed these pieces the intention was to make about 60 of them, all with the capacity to return to the upright position.

Creating the Pushovers gives me an opportunity to explore the concept of victim, its characteristics, components, and forms. I don’t believe that there are clear demarcations between victim and bully. We’re all a combination of both.

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