Much of my work involves a juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary. My recent assemblages utilize recycled steel and stabilized adobe. The steel includes farm and industrial implements, collected from the San Joaquin Valley and pieces cast off in steel fabrication, and later reassembled.
While most of my work has content that relates to time and environmental concerns, several of these works have been inspired by events or situation. “Checks and Balances”, (smaller sculpture with interlocking ancient scales, and entrapped weights and hooks), relates to frustration with the lack of positive change achieved by our governmental system—including the snail pace at addressing issues relating to poverty, wars and global warming. The sculpture Pigeon Impersonating a Canary relates to the absurdity of modern war—specifically the use of pigeons to alert for germ warfare—(the modern canaries of the mines)—and the pigeons that were recently accused by Iran of spying! Some of my sculptures, such as Balancing Act are interactive, requiring the viewer to start them in motion, relating to the complexities of contemporary life.
While these pieces allude to architecture and artifacts, both primitive and contemporary, the usage is often ambiguous. Viewers bring their own interpretations and hopefully will reflect on the artifacts that we leave behind for future generations to ponder or trip over. My interest is in having the viewer consider the larger picture; to reflect on our impact on the environment, its impact on us and our place in time.
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STATEMENT: JOYCE KOHL
Much of my work involves a juxtaposition of ancient and contemporary. My recent assemblages utilize recycled steel and stabilized adobe. The steel includes farm and industrial implements, collected from the San Joaquin Valley and pieces cast off in steel fabrication, and later reassembled.
While most of my work has content that relates to time and environmental concerns, several of these works have been inspired by events or situation. “Checks and Balances”, (smaller sculpture with interlocking ancient scales, and entrapped weights and hooks), relates to frustration with the lack of positive change achieved by our governmental system—including the snail pace at addressing issues relating to poverty, wars and global warming. The sculpture Pigeon Impersonating a Canary relates to the absurdity of modern war—specifically the use of pigeons to alert for germ warfare—(the modern canaries of the mines)—and the pigeons that were recently accused by Iran of spying! Some of my sculptures, such as Balancing Act are interactive, requiring the viewer to start them in motion, relating to the complexities of contemporary life.
While these pieces allude to architecture and artifacts, both primitive and contemporary, the usage is often ambiguous. Viewers bring their own interpretations and hopefully will reflect on the artifacts that we leave behind for future generations to ponder or trip over. My interest is in having the viewer consider the larger picture; to reflect on our impact on the environment, its impact on us and our place in time.
Comment by aylwardnow October 4, 2009 @ 12:16 am