And the People Stayed Home

Artist statement

Created during the Covid-19 pandemic, this work reflects on a moment of global uncertainty, isolation, and collective introspection. At the center of the piece is a sculpted representation of the coronavirus. To create it, I first modeled the form in plasteline, then produced a plaster mold into which I melted glass. The individual spores were made by hand, giving the virus a tactile and carefully constructed physical presence.

Surrounding the central form is the text of the poem And the People Stayed Home by Kitty O’Meara, a poem that resonated deeply with many people during the pandemic and quickly became widely shared around the world. With the author’s permission, I incorporated the poem into the work using laser-cut letters, transforming the text into both a visual and conceptual frame for the piece.

The work brings together sculpture, language, and material process to explore the emotional and social impact of the pandemic. The glass virus stands as a symbol of fragility, fear, and global disruption, while the poem offers a counterpoint of reflection, resilience, and hope. Together, these elements speak to a time when much of humanity was forced to stop, reconsider its habits, and confront both vulnerability and the possibility of renewal.