I understand it may seem strange and uncomfortable to admit, but I really enjoy my own artwork. I enjoy living with the pieces I make that don’t get sold right away. Sometimes I secretly hope a piece won’t sell so I can hang out with it a bit longer. I recently produced a series of works that manipulated the humble pizza box. I find it curious that the average person really doesn’t know what to do with this work. The pieces are whimsical, playful, and simultaneously full of meaning, serious. It is hard for people to hold two seemingly opposing views simultaneously. Most people prefer to have their notions and expectations about things, including art, simplified, and reinforced rather than challenged. Conversely, I enjoy being surprised by art rather than being comforted by it. I demand it in my art. Interestingly, I am continually surprised by the work shown here, even though I made it. I have seen a great deal of art in my lifetime and never recall seeing any works that utilized pizza boxes. That alone gets me going.
There are several other reasons I enjoy this piece. One is that I enjoy seeing common everyday objects elevated in unexpected ways. Another reason is the pizza box was sliced and unfurled yet remains continuous and whole. The way it was manipulated hides the fact that it is a pizza box until it is examined more closely. It doesn’t just give up its secrets, it demands a bit of work. The inside of the box is painted one of my favorite colors and is an echo of where the yummy stuff is supposed to reside. The piece hangs on the wall and is about 5’ in height — the size of a small human. I don’t know exactly where this comes from, but at some point, I imagine each of my unique abstract works as a person with a distinct personality, set of conflicts and potential. I anthropomorphize the composition.
well David….your art wouldn’t be so exciting if it wasn’t so obvious that you love creating….you have a brain that has been both trained and is inherently observant….something to be very grateful for….and then there is the work ethic…and as I always contend….there is something about the communal environment of architecture and the tools and instruments that lead to further manipulation and investigation….I always remember being very excited about creating models of my plans in design class….it seemed that I intuitively understood how to use the tools of the trade without actually being taught….it was by observation of other students and instructor guidance….Your pizza box structures are insanely fun and entertaining….I totally want one, but I’m having trouble imagining them in my home and me not crashing in to it and creating an instantly new manipulation….which might be OK….I’m wondering if the ceiling would be a good location….eventually I will make the leap and purchase one….they appear fragile, but gorgeous….they seem safe in the gallery and actually look super when displayed in groups….and don’t take my FRAGILE comment personally….they are perfect! the right environment is necessary for such works of art