Congratulations Tyler!!!

Tyler, in the school studio

 I'm writing today to brag on one of our interns, an amazingly creative young man who has been coming weekly to 'some things looming' to learn to weave, and in return, does a lot of odd jobs for me from stripping plastic bags to re-taping loom reeds.  We think he must like it here, because he keeps coming back, despite the jobs he's given (and the fact that it seems to rain every single time he's here).  Tyler, an artist through to his core, is super talented, incredibly passionate for his art, and very hard working. It shows clearly in his art, which is why I'm proud to announce his latest accomplishments.

Metal Fall, Gold, Sculpture Category

Putting himself, his art, on the line, Tyler submitted five pieces and his portfolio with the Scholastic Alliance For Young Artists and Writers.  Not only was four of his five pieces accepted, but each of those four pieces won an award.  Tyler's piece, "Metal Fall," received Gold in the sculpture category, his packing tape self-portrait earned gold in the painting category, and his painting from chili powder received an Honorable Mention.  "Trashed Blot," the second weaving he completed at 'some things looming' won an American Visionary Award, a Gold in the mixed media category, as well as The Curators Choice Award and will be traveling to New York.  Along with these pieces, his portfolio was given first place in the region.

Packing Tape Self-Portrait, Gold, Painting Category

Currently these pieces are on display at the Allentown Museum. This Sunday, January 29th, there will be a reception from 2-4pm.  So I wanted to say it again, Congratulations, Tyler! I could not be more pleased or proud of you and what you've accomplished. Here's to many more great things in your artistic future!

~Melanie

Packing Tape Self-Portrait, detail, Gold, Painting Category

Artist Statement: What do grape jelly, chili pepper, trash bags, toilet bowl cleaner and packaging tape have in common? To me they are media possibilities for my art. It is my hope that my work will engage my viewers beyond the initial image when they realize that image is made from a material they use or interact with every day. To me some of the appeal of these unconventional materials is the logistical challenge they present. My high school art studio experiences provided the basic practice I needed in drawing, 2 and 3D design and painting with traditional media and I know I need to continue to grow in those areas. But as I got older what I really loved about a new art assignment was the chance to push the parameters a bit. As a junior my first major effort at doing this was my self-portrait. The assignment was open ended as far as media and style but the size was a minimum of 3 ft. by 4 ft. I looked at the stack of packing tape I had laying around my home studio and my wheels started to turn. Layering would create different values. But it would show up better with light behind it. I could build a box and wire it to light up. ..and so on.

Trashed Blot, (American Visionary Award, Curator's Choice, Gold in Mixed media)

I enjoyed the combined challenge of solving for the mechanical and aesthetic and decided to use this theme for my senior AP craft and drawing portfolios. My work in both classes includes the challenge of taking materials not usually used in art making and creating monochromatic imagery or unique forms. It is these works that I have chosen for my Scholastic Art portfolio.

Trashed Blot, detail (American Visionary Award, Curator's Choice, Gold in Mixed media)

My goal is for the viewer to be drawn to my work by the image or form and then be intrigued enough to inspect the work more closely. Upon closer inspection I hope for them to be surprised that they are made with materials that they use everyday – ball point pens, trash bags, plastic wrap, grape jelly and shoe laces.

Trashed Blot, detail (American Visionary Award, Curator's Choice, Gold in Mixed media)

Art is so much a part of who I am and what I do that I can’t think about it as some separate thing. A trip to the grocery store triggers questions about how I could use something I see in my next project. I sit in another class at school thinking about what I have to do to chili powder so I can paint with it or what I have to do to the normally flat, limp material of trash bags to give it sculptural elegance. It is these challenges that interest me and make me realize that the possibilities in art making are endless. I am looking forward to a lifetime exploring those possibilities.