"Harvesting" the potential collage elements from the postcard.
This is the first collage created for the "Overlooked Archives" show. The only thing that arrived on March 1st, 2013 was a coupon/postcard from Bed, Bath & Beyond. It made me wonder if the concept of working with each day's mail would provide enough interest and content. My persistence paid off though and the resulting body of work and show were strong. Thankfully!
I referenced this collage in my artist statement. Most people could imagine where the pieces came from once I pointed it out... there are common elements delivered to all our mailboxes.
To see something of the Art of Rubbish event on video, scroll to 22:10 in Aurora's News Weekly... the segment includes interview moments featuring me,artists Brenda Stumpf and Lily Erb, Art in Public Places coordinator Mary Koernig, and a cameo from Ken Elliott. I think I said more interesting things in the course of my five minute interview but here's what remained after editing!It was a really fun day and great to have it captured on video and promoted by the city. Hopefully there will be a repeat performance next year with more artists involved and an even larger community turnout.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxjhviYun3I&feature=share&list=PL752A37D6CDC4A7B5&index=12
I'm looking forward to showing my collages and demonstrating some of my working techniques at "The Art of Rubbish," a celebration of found-object/item artwork, on Saturday, September 21st, from 10 am - 3 pm at the Aurora Central Library at 14949 E. Alameda Drive, Aurora, Colorado.Other "Rubbish" artists are Brenda Stumpf and Lily Erb.Meet the artists and work on your own art projects... more details in this Westword blog article: "Create art out of found objects at Recycling Reversal: The Art of Rubbish on Saturday."Stop by and see us... maybe make something out of "almost nothing!"
I've been inspired by El Anatsui since I first glimpsed his huge recycled tapestry-like work at the Indianapolis Museum of Art in 2008... I even wrote a blog post about it way back then!
He gave a talk, more like an interview, in advance of the opening last week, as part of the Logan Lecture series. I was particularly interested in his discussion of using humble elements, brought together in a monumental way, to create a meaningful work of art. Beauty, he feels, is just a by-product of his work. (Detail of one of the works on view in Denver at left)
He said working with what your environment produces has always been a guiding thought in his artistic practice. As a collagist, I could totally relate to his sensibilities.
In working with found objects, he acknowledges that the media comes with its own history/meaning. He believes that because the objects have been touched by a person, there is a "psychic charge" within the artwork that ultimately helps other people relate to the piece.
He also spoke about the flexibility of the hanging pieces and the importance of involving other people in his work to determine how they should be hung/placed -- so it is different in every installation. He said art is like a reflection of life, always in a state of flux, and he embraces that philosophy throughout his practice.
When I arrived at the exhibition on Saturday, I was surprised that he was in the galleries responding to questions about the work. It was great to meet him and be able to tell him how much I've enjoyed his work. What a creative spirit and what a wonderful exhibition.
It runs through December 30th, 2012. Be sure to visit if you are in the area. I know I'll be going back a few times in an attempt to take it all in! (Even the shadows the works cast on the walls are gorgeous.)
Here's some video that gives you the sense of being in the same space with these wall hangings. It is not from the Denver show but was the best footage I could find to show the details of his work, from a recent show at the Akron Art Museum. Enjoy!
To see something of the Art of Rubbish event on video, scroll to 22:10 in Aurora's News Weekly... the segment includes interview moments featuring me,
