Using a simple wire coat hanger, the artist partially dipped it in a container of white paint over and over and over again until the hanger became sculptural. In the process, he kept a tally on the wall of the number of times the hanger had been dipped and left to dry. The process becomes part of the finished product.
Etcetera: Sculpture and Drawings will be on display starting Aug. 5
–The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art presents Etcetera, an exhibition of sculpture and drawings by Arroyo Grande artist Trent Burkett on view from August 5 until October 2, 2016.
Burkett creates raw, process-oriented art installations in wood, clay, marble, paint, oil, steel, and found objects. His artwork is intentionally minimal and devoid of specific meaning. The pure, often crude forms express the truth and integral beauty within minimal installations.
The artist says that the origins and quality of hiss materials are of utmost importance. For example, a marble chunk from the historic Yule Quarry in Marble, Colorado reveals the blue quarry marks in the finished piece. Burkett intensely researches and fashions his own art materials, such as cobalt blue glaze and custom-made oil sticks. He says needs these materials to behave in a very specific manner in order to achieve his aesthetic goals.
Similar to a scientist working in a laboratory, Burkett says he runs experiments to test his materials. He works methodically and almost mechanically. Using a simple wire coat hanger, he partially dipped it in a container of white paint over and over and over again until the hanger became sculptural. In the process, he kept a tally on the wall of the number of times the hanger had been dipped and left to dry. The process becomes part of the finished product. After each artful experiment, Burkett decides whether each individual outcome was fortuitous or disastrous. By intentionally running the risk of failure, he believes that he achieves a higher artistic goal.
A public reception will be held on Friday, August 5 from 5 to 6 p.m. in conjunction with Art After Dark. The reception is free and open to the public.
Related programming includes a ceramics workshop for adults at Trent Burkett’s studio October 21 – 23, 2016. Call SLOMA at (805) 543-8562 or visit the museum’s website at sloma.org to sign up.
Burkett received his BA and MA from CSU Sacramento, and his MFA from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In 2014, Burkett’s ceramic work was awarded Third Prize in SLOMA’s Dimensions exhibition of fine craft by juror Carol Sauvion of Free Hand Gallery and the award-winning PBS series, Craft in America. He lives and maintains his studio in Arroyo Grande, California.
SLOMA will screen a documentary film on Japanese potter Ken Matsuzaki on Monday, September 19 at 7 p.m. Suggested donation $5 for members, $7 general. Visit the Gray Wing during the exhibition for a free kids’ art activity.
The San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, dedicated to the education, presentation and preservation of the visual arts on the Central Coast, is located at 1010 Broad Street, on the west end of Mission Plaza. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. Closed Tuesdays through July 4. Open daily from July 4 through Labor Day. Free admission, donations appreciated. For more info visit SLOMA.org.
