Using Unconventional Elements in Art
I have, for as far as I can remember had an interest in the addition of unconventional elements into artwork. Fountains and works with fire incited my imagination. The dynamics and feeling of movement that one of the four basic elements add to the artwork and giving it “life”.
My final graduating project was a fountain. The pedestal/base and basin were made of ceramics. The center piece placed in the basin was made of brass. I traveled all the way to the industrial area of another city to purchase a small pump to pump water through the brass piece. When testing the piece prior to the exhibit, all went as planned. The water spurted out falling on the wings of the brass piece into the basin. Opening night, disaster struck and the pump was clogged (found out afterwards) and the water just sat in the basin. The entire project became static losing its dynamics, becoming lifeless. It still was a beautiful piece of sculpture, but it wasn’t what I intended.
It took me quite a while to make peace with myself and to come to terms with “The Fountain” as I referred to the piece. I realized that technical issues /tactical issues are not strategic planning. Technical issues can dictate and can rule the artistic dialogue when in fact they were intended to be minor supportive issues in the planning.
“Scroll” – Printed Italian Canvas, 100cm/15cm
“Scroll” – Printed Italian Canvas with LED lighting, 100cm/15cm
Fast forward to the here and now; I have begun using light as an element in my artwork in paintings, around paintings. The installation that we have been working on is a combination of materials and elements. Bamboo, wood, Plexiglas, lights, textiles and rope. All along the way we have using PoC (proof of concept). We have made models and checked out how each element functions on its own and together with the other materials. Even the logistics of moving the installation in parts from the studio to the gallery is concerning. It would be heat-breaking if the driver moved the piece and caused damage making us, the artists, having to improvise where the dialogue was not apprehended or intended. All this said, during the period of PoC, often things happen between the interaction of materials and elements enhancing the artistic dialogue, allowing for innovation and previously unseen perspective.
Stay tuned, as I will display works that will be in the exhibit. If you see something you like, TELL ME! Maybe we can make it yours.
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