Found Object

WELDING

snowfarm_logo

I recently completed a 5 day “Introduction to MIG Welding” Workshop with Bill Rhodes at the Snow Farm Crafts School in Williamsburg, MA. My first project, using scrap steel, was a piece entitled THE HALLOWEEN BUNNY (look for the new posting on Friday!). Of course, being me, I then explored the form by making two more similar ones before Bill politely, but firmly, suggested I try doing something else. However, I was very pleased, and somewhat surprised when I was asked to put one of “Bunnies” into the School’s auction of teacher’s and selected student work to raise funds for their youth programs. And I was even more pleased when it sold for $75.00, and now resides in a private collection in Somerville, MA.

BIG CLIPS AND BUMP STOCKS

(C) JOHN FANSMITH 2018

BIG CLIPS AND BUMP STOCKS, a paper collage, is a follow up to SANDY HOOK: HOPES, FEARS AND THE NRA and was started after the Las Vegas shootings. Both pieces use the same materials (recycled paper and light cardboard) and tools (scissors, and a paper punch),  recognizing  that virtually nothing changed between the two events except the scale of the massacre which is reflected by the larger size of BIG CLIPS AND BUMP STOCKS. While I would prefer to stop with BIG CLIPS AND BUMP STOCKS, in reality, I expect this to be an ongoing series. Matted and framed to 18” x 24”.

PASSAGE TO RIGEL

(C) JOHN FANSMITH 2018

When I decided to change the base on COLLABORATING WITH POLISTES (the new “Polistes” piece is REVISITING POLISTES) I also decided that the old base was much better as a stand-alone sculptural piece. With its coloration, sinuous lines and small opening, the mental image I had was of deep space, the space-time continuum, “worm holes” and travel to distant stars, hence the title: PASSAGE TO RIGEL. Hand built and raku fired paper clay. 12; x 9” x 7”

THE ROOTS OF DANCE

(C) JOHN FANSMITH 2018

THE ROOTS OF DANCE started out with me finding some driftwood on a lakeshore which when combined together (with minor trimming) reminded me of a pair of dancers from a recently seen contemporary dance performance. I hope and believe that my ROOTS OF DANCE comes close to capturing the grace, power and enthusiasm of the original dancers. Found objects on an artist-made wooden base. 12” x 9” x 6 ½”