New Piece

Early On - Reclaimed Lumber and Acrylic - 2011

As a young boy I spent many hours with my father in the various grocery stores he managed in our hometown. Although I was unaware of it at the time, my understanding of how to respect and relate to people of all sorts was being modeled to me by my father. Those times in the store watching, learning, absorbing...all the while laying a foundation one block at a time. I loved those days and I miss them...

working

Recently my good friend Tonya shot some photos of a piece of mine for a show entry. She also likes to take photos during the prep for a shoot and this is one such photo. We have a mutual appreciation of images that seem to capture the moment.

So now the entry has been sent in and I just have to wait for the jurors decision. Yesterday my buddy Mike and my brother Jeff delivered four pieces for a new group show opening on Wednesday night in Macomb, Illinois at the West Central Illinois Arts Center. The reception, which is in conjunction with W.I.U.'s Environmental Summit, is from 6-8pm with live music and refreshments.

This show will feature one new piece and three created in the last six months.

Unfortunately...

my left hand got into an argument with the table saw a few weeks ago. As my friend and co-worker Dave said, "and the saw always wins." And it did. I did not loose any fingers, but the damage has been done and it has certainly slowed me down. A full recovery is expected, it is just going to be a while. No need to go into details though.

Anyway, I was working on a new piece to be entered into a juried show in St.Louis, as you have figured it out, it did not get finished. I was able to enter another piece for the show and should know whether or not I am in by the middle of April.

As for the unfinished piece, I will have it ready by this weekend. It along with three other pieces of mine will be on display in a group exhibit at the West Central Illinois Arts Center in Macomb Illinois. The theme for the show is art that incorporates recycled/reclaimed materials. This show will coincide with Western Illinois University's Environmental Summit. The opening reception will be Wednesday, April 6 from 6-8 pm.

Would love to see you there.

new work in progress

In need of material

Just thought that some of you who read the blog might be able to help me out. I am on the lookout for used lumber and sheet goods.
2x4,6,8,10's, plywood, broken cabinets etc. Not interested in OSB or MDF.

As far as sizes goes I'm pretty open to most anything. I do know that I will need about 20, 10-12 foot 2x4s.

I am working on a very large installation piece for a possible show in late September. Although I am not sure about the specific date of the show I want to get a head start on securing material since this will possibly be my largest work to date.

Right now I know that I do not have nearly enough material to work from.

Any help you can offer would be great. I am more than willing to go to dumpsters or building sites to pick up. If you would pass this on to anyone else you think might be interested in helping out.

Shoot me an email @ schuylineartglass@gmail.com if you come across anything.

Cheers.

I make all things new

In regards to using recyled/reclaimed materials let me make this clear, when it comes to art materials I'm cheap. A cheapskate plain and simple. I love the challenge of making something out of a material that has seemingly lost its purpose or need. On the upside, this type of material is either quite inexpensive or all together free. Am I concerned with the environment? Yes. Am I concerned with an over abundance of stuff? Mass-over production and mass-over consumption? Yes,and yes. These are a few of the factors/concerns/issues that keep me coming back to the materials I choose to use.
On the other hand there is a deeper, more soul-like connection with this type of material. The fact that the materials mimic life is beautiful to me. You see, I'm that guy that pulls for the underdog. The things that others look past, the things that so often don't fit the standard mold of perfection. That is what I am drawn to. Finding a use, a purpose, a reason for existence for the cast off piece of lumber or dried out clay is deeply connected to who I am. Because for the most part we are all like this at some point in our lives. Seen as useless or not seen at all. Not valued or seen as having little purpose. Jesus is the model for this way of thinking and He is the reason I have come to see the art work I create in this way. He found purpose and meaning, especially in those that did not fit the worlds mold. He is able to make all things new. We are only alive because the creator of the universe has allowed us to be. If we are still here, we have a purpose. I suppose I take the same approach with cast off materials; even though our world sees them as unimportant or useless, I notice them. They exist and I see a use for them. I see the material not for what it was, but for what it will become. It still has worth and a purpose yet to be discovered. In a sense, it too is made new.

Process photos

Here are a few shots of the current piece I am working on. When complete, it will also include approximately 24 additional telephone handsets. This piece will require ceiling space to mount part of it. Curious? So am I, but not curious like a cat...you can't trust a cat.