AYSK Numero Cinco

So I'm finally getting around to this...

Lots has been happening lately--for example:

1. I started my internship at the Elizabeth Foundation for the Arts! It's great! I could not have asked for a better experience thus far. This past week, most of my time was spent on the materials for membership to the studio program. Explaining how the studio program works would take an entire post, and despite the clerical aspects of the project, it was really great to work on something that I care about.

2. Classes started. Not too enthusiastic about any of my classes yet, but fingers crossed that they get better.

3. Fun bonding with my fellow classmates. Kelly Rae's sort-of-birthday party was last night and it was a doozy. This morning was also quite comical (for reasons I will spare sharing). Today, Professor Rubin also had us over for brunch, which was also a good time. Not a very relaxing or restful weekend but who needs those! (Oh right, the girl with the insane schedule this semester.)


So now that I have caught you all up on why I'm blog-slacking, here is the next installment of the "Artists You Should Know" series. Without further ado...

AYSK #5:

ALYSON SHOTZ

Mini-Bio: BFA at good ole RISD. MFA at University of Washington-Seattle. She doesn't have a handy Wikipedia page providing me with access to the essential tidbits of her life, so here is a nice cutesy summary of her artistic choices:

A veteran of the New York art world, Alyson Shotz is known internationally for works of art that address space, light, and perception. Her interest in environmental issues and topology—a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of geometric forms that remain constant despite transformation—is also evident in her artworks.

What kind of art? Sculpture bordering on industrial or architectural design.

Examples of work:

The Shape of Things, 2004 (image from 2007 Guggenheim show)
In case you're curious, this is made of cut plastic Fresnel lens sheets and staples. See Close up...

(View of original installation for The Shape of Things)

The Close up.

Mirror Fence, 2003
Made of acrylic, wood, aluminum, hardware.

Folding Space, 2004
Made of cut plastic, staples.

Allusion of Gravity, 2005
Made of clear glass beads and steel wire.

What I like most about Shotz's work is that she uses pretty standard materials and manages to create pieces that are both beautiful and reflective. It is unique and simple while also being very complex and though-provoking. I hope you feel the same about her work or that you at least are a little more enlightened as far as contemporary sculpture is concerned.

For more images and information on Alyson Shotz, visit her page with the Derek Eller Gallery.

Well I'm off to bed--early start tomorrow--yay for the commuting to the city! Goodnight!