Artist Statement: The strongest crystal formation is twelve-sided. The most durable snowflake is twelve-sided. The strongest geometric form is determined by the lines described by putting twelve equally sized balls around a center one. This kind of persistent strength can be found in families.

Even when people disappear for a while there is a dependency on that person's existence as part of the overall weaving of their family's structure. This piece represents an actual Irish-American family of twelve children clustered around, or draping from, their mother, Mary. Each child's name and the meaning of their name is written on one of the strips and they are arranged according to age. This piece was part of the outcome of a collaboration with Chicago poet, Kate Walsh.

Dimensions: 42" wide X 48" high