Roq La Rue Gallery - June 2008
Chris Crites

"All tools are extensions of the human body. Guns by definition are extensions of the fist. This defines guns as tools of power, force or violence. That being said, this body of work is neither anti-gun nor pro-gun but rather an examination of a tool that has been used in much conflict and controversy throughout the modern age of mankind.
Why are Americans in particular so obsessed with guns? Why are there so many firearms in the United States? They permeate our history as well as our entertainment. They are also a big business. They seem to be practically everywhere. I have no answers for why this is, but recognize how powerful a symbol just the image of a gun can be.
For better or worse, guns are a part of our history, a history that fascinates me. This series allowed me a way to examine the innovation and design of these firearms and see them in a different way.

I would like to gratefully acknowledge Sammy McVette for his research, assistance and dedication on this project. Thank you Sammy.

Also, thank you to Steve Doyle for the use of his M16 reference photos."