My body of work is split into two related areas of investigation. The first line of enquiry is related to the “fold” or the act of folding / unfolding. I am interested in how larger complex forms can be seen to “emerge” from smaller discreet units. I have produced a series of 3-d animations one of which was recently screened at Three Walls showing different permutations and translations of geometric forms in an empty space. I am working towards realizing these animations as actual sculptural objects, both human manipulated and computer controlled. Mobility is a key ingredient in this area work. The inspiration for this body of work came from frustration at the logistical difficulties and eventual material waste involved in making large-scale installation pieces. I was struck by the idea of making small man portable objects that could be transported and deployed easily. My current projects have so far centered on demising the humble cube, breaking it down via it’s “hidden” internal geometries to reveal unexpected forms, colors and patterns. The cube is an “ideal” form and relies upon a flat, even surface to function properly. On uneven ground, the cube is clumsy and awkward. This is an interesting metaphor for human endeavor and our relationship with the natural world. We are a product of nature, yet in nature cubes are rarely found. So it presents an interesting dichotomy that I have chosen to investigate in my work.
The second direction I am pursuing is also concerned with geometric forms but looks more to pattern and more organic structures such as spores. Plywood is cut by laser, painted and assembled in “Katamari” like sculptural forms that are hung on the wall / placed on a pedestal. Often the pieces are paired with pastel drawings that mimic and reflect these sculptural forms. I am interested in exploring relationships in the work between 2-d and 3-d spaces. These combines explore the interplay between two-dimensional space and three-dimensional form. Geometric shapes inspired by the video game Tetris spill out of the drawings and cascade into the gallery. The same outlines that are found in the drawings are replicated in the laser cut blocks, and so a connection between the two is evident. With this work the idea of the “fold” is both implied and made real. Some of these pieces are intended as “static” objects that do not require any moving parts or motors. I am working on creating motorized pieces that will fold and unfold with input from a user or event.
May, 2010
