Fingerbowl by Kiki Smith

6¾ x 15 x 15 in. (17.2 x 38.1 x 38.1 cm.)
Executed in 1995.

Kiki Smith’s solid silver Finger Bowl continues the artists concern with the human body. The bowl, supported by a tripod of fingers, is lined on the interior with fingers coming through the form creating a touchingly powerful work. The form originates as a convex dome of clay, the surface of which is gouged and scratched by fingers. The clay is then covered with wax and the inside of the resulting concave wax form has fingers protruding up from the surface. This wax bowl is then cast in fine silver (purer than sterling) by Dominick Ranieri Sculpture Casting in New York. This piece was first conceived by the artist in 1986. At that time she could only make a wax mold of the work but has always been anxious to see it completed in silver. This is the first opportunity for her to see this, her vision, realized. The edition is limited to 25 and is signed and numbered on the bottom. Every wax mold is hand chased by the artist making each piece unique.