symbol of care
Photo by Helge Articus
symbol of care
glass casting
01 2026
The work is about the power of a symbol and how it is able to connect several generations through the associated acts of care that was traditionally done by mothers who mended the clothes of their family. The love and care that went into making sure that everyone was fed and clothed is compiled into a sewing scissor which I found in the sewing basket of my mother. For over 200 years this iconic shape of scissor is connected to the motherly care and love that go into raising children. Originating from a clamp, used to cut off the bloodflow in the umbilical cord, the shape turned into a scissor that became a traditional gift for expecting mothers, made of silver to help through financial hardship, nowadays its used as a common sewing scissor. Over probably more than 200 years the shaped remained but the use and value changed - but even after all this time they are still in mothers hands.
‘Symbol of care’ was on display at Rike Sievert’s solo exhibition ‘things we hold dear’ in January 2026 at Atelier Gröbl, Koblenz and in the exhibition ‘Roots’ in November - December 2026 at Haus Metternich, Koblenz.
‘symbol of care’ ist eine Hommage an die allzu vertrauten Symbole alltäglicher Gegenstände und Werkzeuge, die seit Generationen genutzt werden. Die Gegenstände selbst mögen klein sein, doch die Bedeutung und die Erinnerungen, die mit ihnen verbunden sind, gehen über ihre materielle Form hinaus. Das Werk handelt von der Kraft eines Symbols und davon, wie es mehrere Generationen miteinander verbinden kann – durch die damit verbundenen Fürsorge, die traditionell von Müttern kam, die die Kleidung ihrer Familie flickten. Die Liebe und Fürsorge, die darin steckten, dafür zu sorgen, dass alle satt und gekleidet waren, sind in einer Nähschere gebündelt, die ich im Nähkorb meiner Mutter gefunden habe.
‘Symbol of care’ war zu sehen bei Rike Sieverts Solo-Austellung ‘things we hold dear’ im Januar 2026 im Atelier Gröbl, Koblenz und in der Ausstellung ‘Roots’ 11-12/2026 im Haus Metternich, Koblenz.