Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Golden Fences and Pink Rain Drops












The following is an inspiring interview with the artist Amy Johnson on her recent installation at LiT, what makes her tick, and the all important: what is her favorite sandwich?


1. LiT: How did you get started doing art installations?
A.J.:"Toward the end of graduate school I began to experiment and compose
images with the objects I had been making. Making multiples and
arranging them in a way that formed an interesting and compelling
image became the most successful way for me to work. I enjoy making
the work and the different components of what will compose the
installation, but the actual install and figuring out how everything
is going to come together both visually and conceptually is the most
exciting part."

2. LiT: Is the tone of your art affected by the current economic state?
A.J.: "I can't say that it is. I am not sure that the economic climate has
affected me directly enough to be reflected in my work. It is always
possible I suppose."

3. LiT: Could you describe what inspired this work?
A.J.: "I have been interested in fences; how they function to create
boundaries and sense of space. I am interested in the how we as human
beings set boundaries, how much and with who. Who will we let in and
how much? How is that controlled and how does that work to both form
and diminish relationships. They, along with the other components of
this work, represent home and the sacredness of both home and
community. Ultimately I think I was inspired by the philosophy and
environment of LiT. As an artist I really feel a need to make objects
and have them be seen. At the same time, I love to work with people
and their space. Each installation is unique to not only the space
itself, but also to the people who spend their time there."

4. LiT: What are your favorite materials to work with and what inspires you most to get your hands on?
A.J.: "I love gold leaf and using it to convey something that is sacred,
seductive and desirable. For me, materials are a tool that work as
metaphors and help to build a language, so I use the material that is
best for the work. If I am not at all familiar with the material
that is best, I figure it out.
I am usually drawn to materials that I can either cast or cut up."

5. LiT:What is your favorite sandwich?
A.J.: "Open face baguette, smear of Dijon, topped with Prosciutto, Brie and Pear."

6. LiT: What else do you have in the works right now, and where can we see it?
A.J.: "Ongoing representation by the SAM Gallery.
In the works: I am in the beginning stages of an outdoor sculpture
project which is curated by Bryan Ohno and Alyson Milliman through
MadArt. The exhibit will take place at Cal Anderson Park- The exhibit
will be in the park Aug. 12 - Sept. 13
I will be in a group show at the SAM Gallery in Nov. 2010 and will
have a solo show at the Steele Gallery at Gage Academy of Art this
winter (2011)."

For more Amy Johnson, visit her site: http://amyjohnsonstudio.com/

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