Project Space

August 4th was the opening of my show in Salem, OR, as part of Salem Art Association's Project Space. It was a lot of fun, and featured an amazing performance by Gaga and the Ladies that blew everybody away.

When applying for project space, I had no idea of the dimensions of the space that I would have all to myself (90 feet long and 40 feet wide old department store space)! These were interesting past few months trying to create enough work to be a match for the space.



I've made 4 very large paintings to add to 4 already existing big works, about 6 floor and ceiling large sculptures and many many small paintings.

In the front of the gallery I have displayed a separate body of work called the copy pieces which use the same methods of working as the other pieces but deal more with questions of mass production. Here are some wolves that are up in the show right now:


Very dear friends of mine agreed to play at the opening reception. Their band currently adapts lady Gaga songs into an amazingly complex interpretations using strange and interesting instruments, among those instruments a Theramin, a Jaw Harp, an Udu, beakers and washboard, to name a few.
Their music not only is fantastic to listen to, but also remarkably corresponds to the spirit of my work (not coincidentally, I have been influenced by and worked collaboratively with many of the artists in the band). The idea of the hand crafted adaptation of the mass produced consumable, and reestablishing room for personal invention within a prefabricated, prescribed playing field, talks as much to music as it does to the visual arts and crafts.


The show will remain on view through August, and is located at 150 liberty street NE, Salem, OR 97301. It is part of Salem Art Association, Project Space.
More great photos of the set-up and the opening were taken by Phil and Barbara, artists and members of Project Space.
Thanks to all the wonderful people of Project space, Kathy Phil and Barbara, to Jessica and all the gagas (Paige Lyle, Robo, Katie, Matt and Scott), to my sister Poli , and a special thanks to Robo Mertens!

Photo by Jesku Robinson from hte opening: