my waste is art

[robin wood]

Art is a funny thing.

A couple of weeks ago some of my waste products went on exhibition in Philadelphia as part of the "Challenge VII" exhibition which aims to show interesting pieces that are pushing the boundaries of the art of woodturning in the world today.

The very posh catalogue arrived yesterday and I was delighted not only to be in the exhibition but to be rather centre stage. My "piece" is a video installation showing the making of a bowl and a large pile of discarded waste cores. I wanted to highlight the history of the craft and the shear quantity of production that used to go on, and still does in my workshop. Especially for the American market I called it "cor blimey"

The selection committee commented "Two pieces in the Challenge VII show illustrate the kind of ideas we hoped for. Both are utterly fresh and unexpected. British artist Robin Wood is a master of functional turning if ever there was one. However, his video installation reveals the mounds of dysfunctionality inherent in his production. Oddly provocative and memorably beautiful."

Of course the video is not really mine but Nicola's (Dr Spoon)
The exhibition tours various museums and galleries in the States for the next 3 years.

 

[helixpteron]

Quite an inspired title, the instant geographical connection is made when reading or hearing the exclamation.

Its nice to see you being more widely appreciated for your exceptional skills.

Your work made me think of the phrase 'turned out, nice!'

Regards.

 

[Nagual]

I'm impressed. Always nice to see someone get recognition for their skills.


Nag.

 

[firecrest]

Thats great.
When I did an art fair a few weeks ago, there was a guy who made wood turned bowls, and he didnt sell a single one (nor did I actually) I felt it was a shame because he joked to me that if he put a marks and spencer tag on them , people would buy them. I was beginning to wonder if the public bought traditional crafts at all anymore, so its good to see you have so much interest in yours.

 

[StJon]

Well done both of you, as a trained designer I went on to blur the edges between art and design as part of my post grad. I'm now picking up some craft skills and again I see the edges blurring. I see all the crafts that are displayed here as as great works of art. Are your cores for sale? I'd have one next to the rest of my collection,
jon

 

[robin wood]

Well done both of you, as a trained designer I went on to blur the edges between art and design as part of my post grad. I'm now picking up some craft skills and again I see the edges blurring. I see all the crafts that are displayed here as as great works of art. Are your cores for sale? I'd have one next to the rest of my collection,
jon

Nicola is the designer and did her MA and PhD and now post doc research looking at how craft skills are learned and designing multimedia resources to help folk learn them. I just make stuff.

Cores for sale? There are plenty more where they came from and if you really want one PM me your address and I'll send a couple in the post.