This sculpture project began as a small, personal exploration using a bag of toy green army men—the kind many of us remember from childhood, molded in one piece with a base, found in dollar stores and large toy chains. These toys are often among the first playthings that introduce the concept of conflict. I began to wonder, what happens when the gun is removed? How does the figure change when stripped of its weapon? These questions led me to expand the idea on a larger scale, especially in the context of the ongoing tragedy of school shootings, a problem that haunts our educational system.

I don’t claim to have answers. Like many, I’m horrified by the violence, and I struggle to find an entry point to even approach the problem. I don’t want to impose restrictions on a free society, but I do want to keep the conversation alive. My goal is to present this toxic trauma in a way that draws attention back to it, without dictating a specific emotional response.

The vision for this project is to create a group of large-scale army men, their guns removed, arranged in a way that invites interaction, almost like a playground. These figures would serve as a metaphorical backbone, reflecting the reality that only 11 states currently have waiting periods for firearms—a fact that underscores the urgent need for patience and thoughtful reflection in our response to social challenges.

As I developed the project, I created a proof of concept, which highlighted the impact of the piece. Initially, I considered using fiberglass for its strength and lightness, but I’m now leaning toward cement as a more fitting material. I also envisioned the sculptures adorned with children’s drawings, but I now see this as an opportunity for ongoing collaboration—inviting classes of children to paint on the sculptures over time, adding layers of interaction and meaning to the work.

This project is evolving, and I expect it will continue to change as it moves closer to being shared with the public.

snow chilling out on the proof of concept