In the Air
Since I was a child I’ve had a fascination with planes and flight. When I was 12, I was a cadet with the Civil Air Patrol, an auxiliary of the US Air Force that promotes aerospace education. A regular activity for the squadron was weekend flights. For the past few years, I’ve integrated flight into my art. This picture of me in the 1920’s Bi-Plane was part of a public art project sponsored by 4Culture in which I created work based on the walking trail system in King County. In 2010, I participated in a pilot program by the Vintage Aircraft Association in which I had the opportunity to ride in the legendary B-17 Bomber and created a film based on the experience. With less than 10 still actively flying, this was a wonderful rare opportunity.
Human Rights Legacy
Civil rights, and human rights for all, are a reoccurring theme in my art. My current public art project involves the community of Tacoma, WA and the city’s human rights legacy. Before the artwork is created for People’s Park, I will have met with numerous community organizations and completed residencies as a teaching artist at two elementary schools, a middle school, and the Boys and Girls Club. For the past four months, I’ve enjoyed finding new ways to creatively engage the community and encourage dialogue on the important issue of human rights in the past, present, and future.
Sonic Interpretations
Every object has a sound. I enjoy performing in galleries and creating live, improvised sonic interpretations of artwork, whether it’s paintings from the Renaissance Period, or modern sculptures. I have performed live sonic interpretations of works such as Nick Cave’s sound suit exhibit, Meet Me at the Center of the Earth, sculpture by Alexander Calder, and various paintings throughout the Baroque Room of the Seattle Art Museum.
Prison Work
I have performed and shown artwork inside both active prisons and the historic Alcatraz prison. I feel that it’s important to talk about prison issues in as many places as possible. The main goal of this work is to encourage dialogue about mass incarceration, and the prison industrial complex.
Glass Work
In 2010 I had the honor of being invited for a residency at the Pilchuck School of Glass. During this time, I had two and a half weeks of experimentation with I medium I knew little about. I created musical instruments from blown glass – such as the Seussaphone shown here – and exploring other techniques such as sand casting, print making, mold blown and cold working.
Calendar
Oct 6, 2012 8am–5pm
Race, Education, and Criminal Justice Conference
University of Puget Sound, Tacoma, WA
Featured speaker/cello performance
Nov 1, 2012 6:30–8:30PM
Artist Trust 2012 Awards Party
Seattle Center: Experience Music Project
Recognition of the Conductive Garboil Grant
More info at artisttrust.org
Conductive Garboil After Party
8:30-10:30
Tashiro Kaplan Artists Lofts #508
Sun July 20
Open Studio Project Closing
Thu April 10
Souper Fundraiser – Paul Rucker Birthday Celebration
Wed February 05