Kristen Cliffel considers herself a “storyteller who happens to make sculpture.” Here, the cabin and whale perched precariously atop the boulder convey a feeling of suspense. While based on personal experience, Cliffel intentionally references other stories that feature a whale—such as Pinocchio or the biblical story of Jonah and the whale. In each story, a giant whale swallows the main characters whole. Cliffel’s unusual combinations of objects also invite the viewer to compose and complete the story.