
first image
the craftsmen series: backsaw, 2012
pennies
approximately L14" x H5" x W1.5"
all photos by joseph leroux
stacey lee webber saves up her pennies, but not in her bank. instead, the american artist uses the copper one cent pieces as the medium for her sculptural
'god bless america' and 'the craftsmen series' (of which designboom published the earlier works of the collection here).
the latest of 'the craftsman series' - in which webbe also uses dimes and quarters to form tools - takes a bit more of an aggressive approach,
with a focus on creating only saws from hollow-fabricated pennies. in their context, the hand tools resemble that of weapons and stand as a
'pointed description of the continued decreasing value of hand labor in the united states'.

the handsaws resemble that of weapons

the craftsmen series: hacksaw, 2012
pennies
approximately L 18" x H5" x W1.5"

the hollowed-pennies are shaped by webber to form three-dimensional forms

the craftsmen series: keyhole saw, 2012
pennies
approximately L18" x H5" x W1.5"

detail of the metalwork

god bless america: american flags, 2011
brass, pennies, steel
L30" x H18" x W18"
the 'god bless america' series takes a more celebratory approach, and has been developed over the past two years since the artist's move
from the midwest to philadelphia. including, ribbons, flags and sconces, the works are an attempt to honor the families and row-homes
of the blue collar workers which make-up her new hometown of philly. her continued penny-work and the arrangement of the money pieces
are a reference to the repetitious factory work which surrounds family life in her city.

the pennies are arranged in a repetitious manner, referencing the tedious factory work of philly family life

the coins are sculpted to look like draping fabric

full view of the american flag

god bless america: ribbon, 2011
pennies
L12" x H24" x W10"
photo by joseph leroux
i like that freedom flag, in this god bless america article, attached to the democracy dowel anchored into that liberty wall.