People, Places, & Things : Cravings | William Riley | Should I?

William Riley

Should I?

20"x24"x2.5", wood & acrylic paint

Artist Statement

Should I? Hard to know. They tell me I shouldn't, but what's the harm and how do They know what's best? And, where did They get these strong opinions? Chocolate is loaded with anti-oxidants, and isn't cancer also a concern? Besides, I can stop at having just one square, and save the rest for later. And, if I have two squares, that's really being pretty moderate. Etc. And, isn't my emotional well-being also a consideration in this decision? Argh, ugh, grr, Should I? This piece is carved from wood, with raised squares, to mimic a candy bar. The squares have words routed out that were then painted and indicate the range of thoughts in the brain of a person with a strong craving for chocolate (as I've been told by a friend who experiences such things). All proceeds will be donated to the Alameda County Food Bank to purchase healthy alternatives.

This piece is about cravings (using chocolate as a ubiquitous craved item), the societal messages that encourage cravings, and our convoluted and often self-defeating behavioral responses to the cravings.

I understand that some people have cravings for chocolate, so after talking with a few of them I am beginning to understand. This piece is intended to illustrate and celebrate their struggles.