GH: Do you think that the medium one chooses to work in reveals the nature of the creator? If so, what does collage/mixed media reflect or reveal about you?
MC: Sure, it brought out another impulse of mine, which is to collect objects. I think i needed that in my work, it is a whole other skill in itself.
Headstones, 2012, ink on paper with found image, 20 x 30 inches
GH: What initially drew you to collaging/mixed media?
MC: I was in grad school, and trying to redefine my work. I had given up on painting at that point and wanted another outlet. I have always loved working on paper much more than canvas. When sourcing imagery and materials for my collages, books seemed a much more interesting way to find paper than a art supply store can ever offer. It also allows me to incorporate this hunt for materials into my practice that bring me out of my studio and into the “real” world.
fragments, 2012, mixed media on found book pages, 9 x 12 inches
Lisa Congdon, who has previously shown her work in Gallery Hijinks, currently has work on exhibit in the Contemporary Jewish Museum. The show, entitled Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought, is on display until May 28, 2012. Make sure you check out her work, entitled Connected, and the other fantastic 50 artists in the show!
Lisa Congdon, Connected, gouache, reclaimed wood
We recently came by Martin Machado‘s studio to see what he was working on for his upcoming show, opening on May 5th, and we’re really excited about his new work! Check out the photos below and the recording at the bottom to hear him talk about his new work and influences.
Marty's Studio
Click here to listen to Marty talk about his current work!
GH: Has using the Native American/Settlers created problems for you in any capacity?
MC: I use loaded imagery, I am well aware of it. Sometime people get hung up on singular imagery and cultural ownership of such things. I feel like its primarily based out of their fear of the unknown. This country gets extremely uncomfortable with any race/ religion/culture other than their own. I’m trying to point out where we ALL come from, and the history of mankind is singular. The goal is to form connections between modern life and the lives of the people who came before us.
Matthew Craven, speak, 2012, mixed media on found book pages, 9 x 12 inches.
GH: I read in an interview that you base your decisions on aesthetics rather than narrative or commentary. Does this still hold true?
MC: That’s quote was not entirely true, sure aesthetics play a big roll in the composition of my work, but I was speaking in a larger sense. The images that I use and inspire my work are also based on aesthetics. I use images that depict patterns, whether its, textiles, carving or architecture. I am drawn to this history of the stylized/ decorative nature of mankind. I find similarities between my own impulses, and those who have come be from me.
Matthew Craven, grid, mixed media on found book pages, 9 x 12 inches.
GH: Is there a specific quality that you look for in your mixed media surfaces?
MC: I spend hours/ days searching for images and materials. It has become vital to my work in recent years. I am always looking for images with great aesthetic value. I look for images with vivid textures and surface. I only uses outdated textbooks for source material. these books have many properties that intrigue me. Rough/ dry paper, color deterioration and even the smell. All of my collages are constructed from resourced books. Even the blank sheets i mount my images on are taken from the front and back of old books, which typically have two blank sheets that usually are faded or stained. This gives my collages another level of historical narrative.
bust.
For the duration of FRGMNTS (February 4th – February 25th, 2012) we will posting short excerpts of interviews held with Matthew Craven as well as photos and recordings about his new work. Keep checking back for more!
Here’s our first question…
GH: Have you always been a pattern person? Especially with your past work dealing with Native Americans, it sometimes looks and feels like your weaving a blanket (such as “Life Totem”). Is this meditative process? What draws you to this as an artist?
MC: Yeah, I have always been a pattern person. As a kid I would relentlessly draw/doodle/deface pretty much anything in front of me. It was only as I got older that I focused that energy into something more engaging and thoughtful. As a result i have been including many cultural reference into my work in the last few years ( i.e. the native American/masonic influence in previous work). The Life and Death Totem drawings were a result of wanting to take what had been doing for years to the next level. I have always found peace in drawing. The repetitive nature of such work is very meditative and satisfying to my soul.
7×7 Magazine‘s February 2012 issue includes works from some of our artists at Gallery Hijinks. If you are a “creative genius” like Kyle Jorgensen, Pakayla Biehn and Martin Machado make sure to submit your work for a chance to be published in 7×7 Magazine. Martin Machado’s painting, seen below, will be featured in his upcoming solo exhibition in May 2012.
7x7 Magazine
Matthew arrived this week and is working on an installation piece to go along with his works for FRGMNTS, opening this Saturday. We recorded him yesterday talking about his installation. Take a look at the pictures below and then click the link at the bottom to hear the recording:
Click here to listen to Matthew talk about this installation
FRGMNTS will be opening this Saturday, February 4th from 6-10pm.
