A few weeks ago I took a trip to see fellow artist and friend Lorrie Fredette's installation that was at the Garrison Art Center in Garrison, NY. Every time I see her installations I am struck by the dichotomy of her subject matter and the beauty of the work. The smell, the skin-like surface, the light, shadows and the various ways to view the work are continually intriguing.
My installations and sculptures are inspired by environmental and medical news stories pulled from today's headlines as well as historical events. Source material so far has included the swine, avian and Spanish flu epidemics and the increased incidence of poison ivy with the growth of greenhouse gases. Once I've chosen an area of focus, I embark on a rigorous course of research and gather images, which I then alter, vet and reject through an elaborate system designed to completely subvert and distort any likeness to the original source. I am interested in this confluence of science and art, in methodology that thwarts my natural hand and in the contrast between "ugly" origins and sublime outcomes. The use of wax in its natural color as my primary medium is intentional -- the neutral palette emphasizes shape, the aroma can be intoxicating and the texture is one that invites touch -- all in support of my goal to lure viewers into an experience that they would certainly try to avoid had they encountered the original infection.
Implementation of Adaptation
Beeswax, tree resin, muslin, brass, nylon line, steel, wood
© 2013
6 feet 1 inches x 36 feet x 12 feet
suspended 40 inches above the floor
Exhibitions:
Garrison Art Center, Garrison, NY, IMPLEMENTATION OF ADAPTATION, curated by Carinda Swann, 2013
No comments:
Post a Comment