Everyday objects: the work of Tara Donovan
Sculptures made from familiar objects, the work of Tara Donovan is painstakingly and carefully constructed:
Tara Donovan’s sculptures are born of everyday materials such as scotch tape, drinking straws, paper plates, and Styrofoam cups. Donovan takes these materials and “grows” them through accumulation. The results are large-scale abstract floor and wall works suggestive of landscapes, clouds, cellular structures and even mold or fungus. She considers patterning, configuration, and the play of light when determining the structure of her works but the final form evolves from the innate properties and structures of the material itself. In her words, “it is not like I’m trying to simulate nature. It’s more of a mimicking of the way of nature, the way things actually grow.” - Hammer Projects
I have a feeling her works would be much more amazing seen in person - for every distanced photograph, the detail is always the best for understanding why the work is interesting. She’s got works made out of plastic drinking straws, fishing line, styrofoam cups, paper plates, and many more unexpected objects. My favourite works, however, are those she describes as being held together by “friction & gravity only,” such as Untitled, 2001:
Nickel-Plated Steel Pins Held Together by Friction & Gravity Only
The idea that this work is held together by pure interconnections, by sheer tension - gives it this taut and tense feeling. Also you can’t help admiring Donovan for her amazing craftsmanship in creating these relationships between objects.
I don’t have time to write too much about my reaction, except to say that it’s not work that completely blew me away, but I find it very interesting and it’s certainly worth mentioning. I also think that she seems to use these objects sculpturally in unique and unpredictable ways. I’m not sure, having the same materials, I could have even imagined these configurations. I would love a chance to see them in person. Now since I’ve got to sneak away for a few days to write my CGS proposal - my early deadline is due on Friday. Who knew blogging could be so addictive? If I have some short entries I’ll post them, but I’m going to take a breather and catch up on some needed work and web reading. Update: I will keep you posted about my del.icio.us finds.
No Comments Yet