A* conceptual contractor - moving from one project to the next - as the space, the idea and the work is constantly negotiated.
I have coined the phrase “Functional Aesthetic” to describe the conceptual idea as the basis of my artistic practice. Functional Aesthetic refers to the particular visual aesthetic involved in the process of making that take place or reveal a sub-system.
I’m interested in the built world especially the architecture of designed environments. Most importantly the visual language of how things are made.
My installation projects revolve around exposing the various systems at play that are hidden within the made physical structures. The structures are often times made with specialized tools and hardware that are available through big-box hardware stores. Construction or prefabricated materials have a particular purpose and function; ‘they’ already have an embedded visual and conceptual aesthetic.
In the installation Hidden Noise, I used the very language of construction to create psycho-linguistic visual mapping. Using orange chalk powder (a tool that is used by construction workers as a marker for safety or to mark out specific locations of telecommunication cables within walls) to mark out specific attributes of the space – such as the stress cracks on the central supporting beam along the ceiling. I also re-purposed the function of hardware and materials, example: modifying a duct pipe that is primarily used in heating systems to create a concentrated light source to spot-light a painting. Finally, I hung sculptural boxes over the power outlets that I made out of distorted magnifying sheets so that the extension cords that emerged from this otherwise benign gallery feature became a work of art in itself, calling attention to the source of power. By exposing and re-purposing the functional attributes in this installation I created a visceral experience that dissected the history of the basement space and exposed its many designed systems: electric, water, storage etc.
Left Image: Entrance to the space, where HVAC duct pipe was reconfigured to spot light a painting, Self Portrait – Nose.
Installation view - The floor was painted except for the stenciled out section which mirrors the electrical piping on the ceiling. The section revealed the previous traces from past installations. The orange extension cord ran around the perimeter to provide power to light the painting (Left Image). In the center is a guttural sculptural piece with insulation foam, concrete, wire, orange extension cord and a 6 volt motor spinning a blue zip tie that made humming noise.