Collaborators

COMMON BOX PROJECT

My work is dependent upon the viewer's physical interaction to complete it, by incorporating many of our senses rather than relying on only the visual level. I deconstruct old typewriters, mechanical objects and musical instruments - then cannibalize the parts to build working instruments that entice the viewer to "play" with the work, creating a multi-dimensional experience. Found objects become hand crafted tools and devices to allow the viewer to create a narrative from visual sources such as photos, audio recordings, levers and keys that were designed to make sounds when manipulated. Movements, actions or sounds are often included within the scenario of one piece. I commonly use familiar objects such as piano keys to invite interaction. The look and feel of the piece is often reminiscent of the past and the act of physical manipulation further enhances memory. My ideas are about history, but also rooted firmly in the present, requiring one to go backwards in order to move forward. My work is designed so that the participation of the viewer is essential to the wholeness of the piece. Touch and time itself is an integral part of the experience causing small surface changes in the materials and personalizing the work by what is usually forbidden in the art world  - touch. I consider the piece unfinished until the viewer interacts with it.