Making

So much of our life is determined by things out of our control. We don’t choose the moment in history or country in which we are born. We don’t choose our race or determine our biological/chemical makeup. We don’t choose our parents, family or relatives. The fact is, we are all dealt a different set of unique circumstances from which it is almost impossible to escape. Similarly, makers often don’t get to choose their clients, co-workers, or collaborators, and they have limited control over a project’s context, budget or timeline. What we do have control of is our response to the given set of circumstances. It always helps to start with a clear, objective understanding of the given situation, but after that, our responses and our choices define our success and/or failure. 

Found objects have a pre-existing meaning, purpose and logic (deep structure) — a given set of immutable circumstances or conditions. Unlike most makers who utilize found objects as a cynical alternative to producing an original, unique work, I use these objects as a starting point — a given set of circumstances.  The work is largely an exploration and expression of control — the impact of our limited but transformational agency. This work is a testimony to our ability to add, subtract, manipulate and transform a particular set of fixed conditions. This particular body of work utilizes the Asian takeout food container and accompanying chopsticks as the starting point.

This work will be exhibited at Pricilla Fowler Gallery located in downtown Las Vegas through the month of July.