Name/Title
Hand Gestures SignEntry/Object ID
2024.16.6a-gDescription
Large sign spelling in seven separate hands each in the position of a sign language letter. It spells 'AUSTINE" all together. Each hand (a-g) is of paper mâché with the hand painted and outlined in realistic detail. Delineating sides with a solid color (pink a-b) (blue, c) (green, d) (orange e-f) and (purple, g) Painting on back of letters is black with each represented letter painted in multi-color and capitalized.
The sign was sculpted by artist Chuck Baird alongside Austine students during a visit in 2001.Context
Austine School for the Deaf Brattleboro, VT
Chuck Baird (Feb. 22, 1947-Feb 10, 2012) was one of the founding members who in 1989 defined through its manifesto, and actively practiced the art movement of De'VIA (Deaf Visual Image Art). As a result he is considered one of the "fathers" of the movement, and one of the practitioners of its "first wave" (1989-2009). De'VIA is defined as art created expressing the experience of deaf culture in any media format (including depictions of American Sign Language).Acquisition
Accession
2024.16Source or Donor
Austine School for the DeafAcquisition Method
TransferMade/Created
Artist Information
Artist
Chuck BairdRole
Media ArtistPlace
Town
BrattleboroCounty
Windham CountyState/Province
VermontCountry
United States of AmericaContinent
North AmericaDimensions
Dimension Description
"A" (a)Height
9-1/2 inWidth
9-7/8 inDimension Description
"U" (b) with finger (see note)Height
17 inWidth
8-1/8 inDepth
2-1/8 inDimension Description
"S" (c)Height
11 inWidth
8-5/8 inDepth
2-1/8 inDimension Description
"T" (d) general with thumb (see note)Height
15 inWidth
10-1/8 inDepth
2-1/8 inDimension Description
"I" (e) with pinky (see note)Height
15-3/8 inWidth
9-1/4 inDepth
2-1/4 inDimension Description
"N" (f)Height
9-1/2 inWidth
8-1/2 inDepth
2-1/8 inDimension Description
"E" (g)Height
10-3/4 inWidth
7-7/8 inDepth
2-1/8 inMaterials
Material
Papier-mâché, Paint, Metal, Plastic, RopeMaterial Notes
Paper mâché hands that have been painted for wall secure they include small metal loops with either clear plastic or rope loops for wall attachment