Interest

March 07, 2016

Andrew Vickery is currently pursuing his BFA in Studio Art from Grand Valley State University.

His area of Emphasis is Visual Studies, through which he explores multiple mediums including Ceramics, Sculpture, Print-Making, and Fiber arts. His work primarily focuses on the intersection of performative identity, organized religion, and sexual orientation.

Susanna Rowe

Oak Chair Conversations

- Hearing audio in its entirety helps listeners understand the studio

Connotations of “Forever family”
Piece could help give incite to adopting parents

- Cool that you reached out to your dad as well as others less close individuals

- The physical aspect

Asks you to get up close and engage with chair as well as the images
Rawness of woof gives a sense of impermanency
Two pictures of children… Who are the adults?

- why are the interviewees numbered?

possibly dehumanizing/ provides autonomy
Originally order of interviews

- Raw wood feels inviting and warm

May darken as human oils build up with use
Creates indexical mark of interviews
Exemplifies the constant work relationships take to maintain

- Audio on large headphones

“Hug for the Head”
Use in gallery setting
Audio collage (compilation of bits and pieces) for larger audiences
Possibly use a sound dome
Possibly include time marker

- Things to include:

Tabs on tissue to invite interaction.. Nice tape? Reinforced tabs?

- Why use tissue overlay?

Conjure memories of sewing with mom
Displays ephemeral nature of relationships
Provides a fun moment of peeking

- Latoya Ruby Frasier, Renaissance society Chicago

Piece set up in rows to ensure the closeness of the audience

- Perhaps add upholstery or a cushion

Cozy it up a bit/ less institutional

This is a very strong piece. Each element is thoughtful and purposeful and each detail has been seen to and polished. The presentation is minimalistic and raw. I think it could benefit from some more inviting adornments if the viewer is encouraged to engage with the piece. I agree that tabs or some indication of flipping should be added to the tissue so the viewer is sure it’s ok to touch. I also believe using headphones for each interview would allow the viewer a moment of intimacy with the piece and further enhance the emotional vulnerability in the interviews. Listening to the interviews outloud is effective, but its not clear which interviewee is speaking. Though the chair is quite beautiful and well crafted, i think a cozier aspect is needed. The addition of a pillow or a throw blanket will give it a sense of informality and make it more approachable. The number of interviews is a bit small as well. I think the addition of more interviews will better establish the concept. Overall it is a highly successful piece and I look forward to seeing it progress