Taking imagination seriously - Janet Echelman

TL;DR

An artist shares their journey of using fishnet and high-tech materials to create permanent sculptures of large voluminous forms.

Transcript

[Applause] this story is about taking imagination seriously 14 years ago I first encountered this ordinary material fishnet used the same way for centuries today I'm using it to create permanent billowing voluptuous forms the scale of hard edged buildings in cities around the world I was an unlikely person to be doing this I never studied sculpture... Read More

Key Insights

• 🥇 Using unconventional materials like fishnet and lace can bring unique textures and patterns to sculptures.
• ❓ Collaboration with artisans and craftsmen from different traditions can expand artistic possibilities.
• ❓ Overcoming engineering challenges is essential in creating durable and permanent sculptures.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did the artist first start using fishnet in their sculptures?

The artist stumbled upon the idea of using fishnet when observing fishermen bundling their nets on the beach. This led to their first collaboration with fishermen and the creation of a self-portrait sculpture titled "Wide Hips."

Q: How did the artist incorporate lace-making into their work?

After working with the fishermen in India, the artist sought to add fine detail to their sculptures. They collaborated with lace makers in Lithuania to create larger lace forms that shifted from being objects to immersive experiences.

Q: How did the artist overcome the engineering challenges of creating durable sculptures?

The artist faced the challenge of making their sculptures durable and permanent while using soft materials. They sought the help of an aeronautical engineer named Peter Heel, who designed sales for racing yachts, to tackle the challenges of precise shape and gentle movement.

Q: Can you give an example of the artist's recent sculpture projects?

The artist has recently worked on projects in Philadelphia and Denver. In Philadelphia, they used atomized water particles to create a dry mist sculpture that interacts with the wind and people. In Denver, they created a sculpture representing the interconnectedness of the 35 nations of the Western Hemisphere using a soft mesh fiber.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The artist first encountered fishnet and used it in collaboration with fishermen to create sculptures with soft surfaces and dynamic patterns.

• They then worked with lace makers in Lithuania to incorporate fine detail into their sculptures, before returning to the fishermen in India to create a large net sculpture.

• The artist faced engineering challenges in creating durable and permanent sculptures using soft materials, and collaborated with an aeronautical engineer to find solutions.