A shot at hope

This piece is an attempt to bring viewers into the psyche of the average boy or girl growing up in the “hood.” The duality of hope and despair is a defining part of the collective consciousness in impoverished communities across the world. The absence of resources and opportunity creates an intense desire to be uprooted, to seek something better, and to imagine a life beyond the circumstances of the streets.

For many young people, the modern version of the American dream comes in the form of athletes and entertainers. Athletes, in particular, offer a direct connection to possibilities that can feel unattainable yet deeply desired. Sports provide an immediate and accessible escape from the harsh realities of poverty. Basketball is particularly significant because it is inexpensive, requires minimal equipment, and can even be played alone, making it ideal for youth striving to elevate themselves and their families.

Children grow up dreaming of becoming professional athletes as a way to lift themselves and their families out of hardship. This sculpture embodies the pursuit of those dreams and the aspirations tied to a luxury lifestyle that feels just out of reach. It explores the tension between desire, determination, and the environment that shapes it.

Hoop Dream$ is made from sand-colored granite with black, gold, and white flakes, giving the work a natural, grounded texture that evokes both strength and endurance. The sculpture incorporates a basketball rim I found on the side of the road and painted gold, a symbol of reclaimed ambition and the glimmer of hope in challenging circumstances. The rim becomes a metaphorical target, a goal, and a tangible representation of aspiration within reach yet still demanding effort and resilience.

The piece engages with concepts of pain, will, and love, but at its core, it is a metaphor for hope. Each angle, surface, and material choice reflects the struggle, drive, and fleeting moments of possibility that youth cling to in the face of adversity. It invites viewers to consider the inner life of a child whose world is limited by circumstance but expanded by imagination, resilience, and ambition.

This work is a reminder that even in spaces defined by scarcity, hope is the most valuable resource, and the simple act of dreaming can be revolutionary.