Canons (2010) presents 3 enormous rubber band balls and corresponding x-rays. Each x-ray reveals a bronze cast human skull holding a book in its mouth. One holds a copy of a Christian Bible, one holds a copy of the Hebrew Tanakh and one holds a copy of the Islamic Qur’an.

The work is from the series Inevitable Forms (2004-2021). Wrapping objects shifts them from their original unique physical forms toward becoming the same ‘inevitable’ metaphoric form of a sphere. The act of wrapping functions as a reverential reference to cultural acts such as ceremonial wrapping, gift giving, and burial rituals such mummification. Simultaneously, the wrapping also references the gradual accumulation of layers and physical pressures of geologic and celestial accretion by which larger forms are created over vast periods of time, and at the planetary scale physical mass will inevitably succumb to the force of gravity and collapse into the form of a sphere. The fact that all forms when wrapped and placed under pressure will always move toward becoming the same form (a sphere) is a metaphorical reference toward philosophies, sciences and religions that imply all things are manifestations of or linked to a singular context. The finished work initially presents as a series of large paradoxically humorous ‘rubber band balls’ until the viewer realizes the contents and is invited toward a deeper contemplative experience. Canons invites the viewer to contemplate both the aspirational goals of three religions as well as the physical violence and discord historically linked to each of these faiths.

The use of X-rays reveals the interiors and reference forms "scientific" imaging that present Modernist concepts of truth in contrast to other forms of photography that postmodernism reveals as conditional truth or acts of simulacra.

Originally exhibited as a kinetic work where the balls were lifted and dropped to create a low frequency floor strike sending a physical shock wave through the floor to the viewer. This version of the work is non-kinetic as shown.

EPDM bands used to create this work are chemical and UV resistant and have an archival life expectancy of 200+ years.