When Pigs Fly
Mollie Schaidt
In this earthly life, with its blood, sweat, and toil, most find little comfort. Their hope is in the next life, with its promise of heavenly mansions nestled among lush pastures along streets paved with gold. They long for a future homestead where there will be no sorrow, pain, hunger, or burdens. My current project, When Pigs Fly, examines the realities, inequalities, and long-term effects of living near, or below, the U.S. Federal Poverty Guidelines. An existence where families—including my own—long for a better future.
In my quest for a “better life,” my mind has been conditioned to accept—without question—what I am “awarded” here on earth and remain eager to leave this world to claim my heavenly reward. My work questions these belief systems, while bringing an awareness to the social structures and systemic ills that oppress the poor. The aspirational myth of the quintessential “American Dream” physically and mentally oppresses the poverty-stricken. I contend that it is, in fact, only a “dream” sustaining a state of hopelessness and acceptance.
I am a member of this class of people, marginalized and blamed for our predicament. My intimate images and sculptural objects scrutinizes social class, the human condition, and the meaning of genuine happiness. My work’s narrative addresses issues and traumas that negatively impact most lower socio-economic households in our nation: inadequate income, lack of education, insufficient employment opportunities, food insecurity, housing displacement, substance abuse, mental health issues, and low self-esteem.
“Trapped”, (left), 2021, Digital Photograph of Mom Behind a Screen, Torn Screen, Scrap Wood, 24”x16”x2”
“Mom as an Angel” (right), 2020, Digital Photograph, 11”x14”
Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Visions of Angels" (detail), 2021, Plant Hooks, Rope, Reclaimed Windows, Plexi-glass, Scrap Wood, Transparency, Holographic Film, 28”x24”x2”. Photo credit: Neighboring States
"Exhalations of Family and Ground from Brothers Grave", 2021, Preservation Jars, Labels, Scrap Wax, Breath of Family Members, Ground from Justin’s Grave, Legs of Prayer Bench, Found Scrap Quilt, 60”x48”x6”. Photo credit: Neighboring States
“Visions of Angels” (wall), 2021, Plant Hooks, Rope, Reclaimed Windows, Plexi-glass, Scrap Wood, Transparency, Holographic Film, Various Dimensions
“Jesus Knew He Was Going to Die... He Was Just Waiting”, So Was My Brother (front), 2021, Found Ceramic Figures, Scrap Wood, Cinder Blocks, Dryer Lint from Home, Scrap Wax, “Cookers” (heavily used candles and round tins to heat brother’s heroin.) 48”x30”x30”
“Trapped”, (back wall), 2021, Digital Photograph of Mom Behind a Screen, Torn Screen, Scrap Wood, 24”x16”x2”
“Mom as an Angel” (back wall), 2020, Digital Photograph, 11”x14”
“Photo credit”: Neighboring States
“We Didn't Have Good Heat” (back wall), 2021 Wall Insulation, Latex House Paint, Barrier, Frosted Clear Paint, 72”x108”x4”
“My dad would chop wood every day to prepare for the winter.
He was already exhausted from working all day, but he had to keep us warm. I still hear him using an ax to split the wood. Every weekend my parents would stack, gather, and cut wood.
The wood stove helped and kept the central part of the trailer warm, but I was on the end. I remember I could see my breath some days, even with the space heater. I would layer the blankets and make a cocoon.”
“Dad's Legs Are Breaking Down, But He Still has to Work” (right wall towards corner), 2021, Reclaimed Wood Given by My Father, Acrylic, String, Remains of Holes, 24”x18”
“My dad has a hard time walking. His knees give out and hurt him so bad. We got up from the table after eating dinner, and he almost fell over. He says they ache and get stiff, so he needs a minute. He works so hard. It hurts me to know he is always feeling like this with no relief.”
“Blind by the Light” (right wall front), 2020, Digital Photograph, 18”x24”
Many times, he would come to my parents to hide from the cops. One time they showed up at 5 AM with a flashlight shining in my face telling me to open the door, and it was okay. I was in elementary school and yelled for my mom to come to the door.
“We Would Cover Holes in the Floor” (floor), 2021, OSB panel, Bandaids, Gauze, Wood Glue, Dirt (from walking on panel overtime) 24”x24”
Photo credit: Neighboring States
“Ascension and an Unusable Ladder”, 2020, 2 Lit Clamp Lights, 1 Left Dark, Found Wooden Ladder, Extension Cord, Remains of Fallen Steps, 72”x18”x18”
Photo credit: Neighboring States
“Cross T-Post” (detail), Rocks I Could Buy and Soil from Land That I Couldn't, 2021, Prints on teabag paper Anointed with Holy Oil, Scrap Wood, Bought Rocks, Soil from Rented Land, Clothesline, Clothespins, Work Clothes, White Garments Stained from Water, Various Dimensions
“Trapped”, (left wall), 2021, Digital Photograph of Mom Behind a Screen, Torn Screen, Scrap Wood, 24”x16”x2”
“Mom as an Angel” (left wall), 2020, Digital Photograph, 11”x14”
“Exhalations of Family and Ground from Brothers Grave” (right wall), 2021, Preservation Jars, Labels, Scrap Wax, Breath of Family Members, Ground from Justin’s Grave, Legs of Prayer Bench, Found Scrap Quilt, 60”x48”x6”
“Jesus Knew He Was Going to Die... He Was Just Waiting”, So Was My Brother (front), 2021, Found Ceramic Figures, Scrap Wood, Cinder Blocks, Dryer Lint from Home, Scrap Wax, “Cookers” (heavily used candles and round tins to heat brother’s heroin.) 48”x30”x30”
Photo credit: Neighboring States
“Visions of Angels” (wall), 2021, Plant Hooks, Rope, Reclaimed Windows, Plexi-glass, Scrap Wood, Transparency, Holographic Film, Various Dimensions
“Jesus Knew He Was Going to Die... He Was Just Waiting”, So Was My Brother (front), 2021, Found Ceramic Figures, Scrap Wood, Cinder Blocks, Dryer Lint from Home, Scrap Wax, “Cookers” (heavily used candles and round tins to heat brother’s heroin.) 48”x30”x30”
Photo credit: Neighboring States
Mollie Schaidt
TYL Photography, ‘21
IG: @mollie_schaidt
Website: mollieschaidt.com
Mollie Schaidt is a Photographer and Sculptor from Virginia. She is currently pursuing her MFA in Photography from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA. Schaidt received her BFA in Photography and Print Media, and 3D Media with an emphasis in Sculpture, from Old Dominion University. She is concerned with systemic issues and social injustices impacting the lower socio-economic class in the United States. She examines the long-term effect of poverty on this population. Schaidt’s current ongoing project, "When Pigs Fly," is an experiential and personal work depicting her family and their current condition in a cycle of poverty.