Brave, 2003 100 steel handgun triggers, silver 22 x 6 x 1" Photo: Aaron Usher III

Aboriginal cultures have adorned themselves with jewelry made of various animal parts. These sewed as talismanic charms and, in the form of the archetypal "bear claw necklace," gave a hunter/warrior the spirit and strength of the animal Whose disabled" weapon" he was wearing. Such a necklace was perceived as a symbol of bravery, strength, and respect. This necklace is assembled of 100 handgun triggers, cut and torn from the dismembered weapons reclaimed from the Pittsburgh city gun buy-back program "Goods for Curds" from 1999-2001. An urban "mojo," it protects the wearer from the gun violence so prevalent in today's culture.

The "Insignias For a New World Order" ask us to weigh the rewards and medals bestowed upon military commanders as they bring an army to victory.

This series protests our country's frightening path of destruction.

Brave, 2003 (detail) Photo: Aaron Usher III