EXHIBITION STATEMENT

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Concept: 

“An Adventure in Wire” is a collection of pieces from first time wire sculptors. This exhibit focuses on the novelty of the medium and the creativity that comes with discovering a new mode of creation. What better time than a global pandemic to explore a new outlet and have a creative adventure. The pieces in this exhibit are a testament to the resilience and creativity of our community. The artists featured here have had to adapt to many things, online learning in particular. They have had to learn a whole new medium through the online space with no in person instruction. During a time of fear, it takes a lot of strength to branch out and start a new adventure like this. While enjoying this exhibition take time to notice the creativity and experiences embodied by these pieces. Where do you find evidence adventure and exploration?

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History & Distinction

Wire sculpture has appeared in many forms throughout history. It has been incorporated in the folds of cultural art across the globe. One of the most common examples is that of wire jewelry. This uses thin wire to create intricate designs around stones or standing alone (A Brief History of Ancient Jewelry Wire | Handmade)  Many cultures have woven wire sculpture into ceremonial pieces (Streetwires). Wire art has continued to shift over many years and has been modernized. Now there are many different kinds of wire art. There are both three dimensional and two-dimensional forms as well as realistic and abstract. Over the course of this workshop, we covered a wide range of artists including but not limited to Clive Maddison, Elizabeth Barrien, and Fritz Panzer. I encourage you to explore some for yourself. Through research I have found that since there is such a wide scope of direction one can take in wire sculpture and was sure to cover as much of the possibilities as I can. This workshop is unique because it teaches from the beginning of wire sculpture, the basics, all the way up to creating a final piece. This workshop focuses on the creativity and breath of possibilities within wire sculpture and encourages out of the box thinking. The most important aspect that differentiations this group of artists from others is the encouragement to jump in and run with wire sculpture that they have received

Approach

There have been considerable trials and tribulations throughout the creation and execution of this workshop. One of the main challenges ended up being creating a good foundation for wire sculpture in a limited time while giving ample time to work and develop the final projects of each student. Because of this necessity the workshop was split into two sections: the education portion and the work portion. The first half consisted of learning the basics of wire and the ways different artists use it, and the second half was focused on critiquing and creating the final project you see in the exhibition. The creation of community was also at the fore front of the considerations is structuring this workshop. Participation was highly encouraged and pulled out through popcorn style conversation as well as prompting conversations with the desire for students to interact with each other. It was ensured that each class had a hands on portion to foster intrest and gain technical skills necessary to create a wire sculpture. Before even touching wire we worked on paper to learn how to break down shapes and recreate them conseptualy. Then we moved to more technique-based work where the students got hands on experience with the wire and creating sculptures to prepare for their projects.

Audience and Impact

The defining characteristic of both my students and the audience of this exhibit possess is the lack of experience with this medium. The students have all expressed that they are first time sculptors, let alone Wire sculptors. It was my job to expose these artists to the medium in a non-intimidating and enticing way, and each of these artists jumped on the opportunity to learn. I am proud of their work and believed I have opened up a whole new medium for them. The audience of this exhibit have likely never been exposed to this artform, and this exhibit is a great place to start. It is encouraging to see young sculptor’s work and is a great place to start exploring the medium. Overall, this aspect of the exhibit is key to its impact. The viewers are able to see what can be accomplished in just a few weeks, and therefore may be more likely to pick wire sculpture up as a medium themselves. This exhibit, like the workshop, is intended to spread the love and creation of wire sculpture and show the audience how accessible it can be.

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References

 “A Brief History of Ancient Jewelry Wire.” A Brief History of Ancient Jewelry Wire | Handmade    Artists Blog, handmadeartists.com/blog/a-brief-history-of-ancient-jewelry-wire/.

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“Bead & Wire Art – Where Did It All Start?” Streetwires, streetwires.co.za/bead-wire-art-where-did-it-all-start/.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank not only the advisors and my wonderful TA Asad, but my mom. She has encouraged me to follow the arts and discover what i enjoy. I would not have found wire sculpture without her, and i would never have been so willing to jump into teaching a workshop without her advice garnered form many years of teaching art.