James Turrell - Installation Artist

James Turrell
Installation Artist

Biography: rodencrater.com

          Light is such an interesting element when it comes to art and deign.  Things look differently in different lighting, colors change, contrast becomes more or less apparent and shapes can seem to merge together or pull apart.  Most artists have to think about how their work is going to be displayed, and lighting can be just as important as the sequence or positioning.

          

         James Turrell designs light.  He creates these installations to conjure up feelings and project them   without actually saying anything, allowing the viewer to take it in with their own interpretations. Turrell creates his work to "impact the eye, body, and mind to heighten awareness."  When speaking of his work, Turrell said "I want to create an atmosphere that can be consciously plumed with seeing, like the wordless thought that comes from looking in a fire."

         From these photographs, James Turrell's work looks amazing.  But I bet these exhibits are even more stunning in person.  It feels like these bright, saturated colors are shining energy outwards.  The contrast between the sharp, defined and smooth, feathered outlines of the lights create tricks of the eye.  It feels like our sense of depth and space gets warped and changes between each piece.  I also can't argue with the clean lines and simple geometry that Turrell uses in one way or another in every piece.

        I would direct you to James Turrell's website, but from my research it does not look like he has a dedicated portfolio site.  There is a brief biography and slide show of some of his work on a site dedicated to a specific project called Roden Crater.  Check it out for more information.  In the mean time, here are a few more of my favorites.

Sandra Fettingis - Artist

Sandra Fettingis
Artist
sfettingis.com

          Apparently I love geometry because I keep stumbling upon these great geometric pieces.  It's not really the mathematical part of geometry that intrigues me but more of the artistic, precise shapes aspect.  I am drawn to the interactions of the sharp sides of these triangles in Sandra Fettingis' collection entitled "Tell Me When You Hear Me Falling."  I find it entrancing how together these smaller shapes make up larger ones and how the combination of the solid and outlined pieces work together.  I also really enjoy the contrast and bright pops of color even if it's only black and white.

          Sandra Fettingis is an artist working in Denver, Colorado who appreciates geometry as much as I do.  She creates these 3D pieces of art cut from pieces of wood and styrene plastic which are then coated in bright paints.  Her work has been featured in many museums, exhibits and public commissions.  She is also selling her geometric art (3D pieces like the ones featured here, jewelry and prints) online at her website and through etsy.   Most of her previous work can be found on her online portfolio.

Felice Varini - Installation Artist

Felice Varini
3D Design & Installation Artist
varini.org

          I have to say that I am always entranced by these kinds of installations.  I feel like "installation" does not give this piece of art or design or whatever it is the right kind of recognition, but I am not sure what else to call it.  I love these pieces of art that change depending on how and where you look at them.  I can't even imagine how he actually creates and plans his work.  Felice Varini is a true master.

          Now, you may be wondering what I am so amazed about; at first glance this photo looks like its been put into Photoshop and the orange rings pasted on top.  However, this is much, much more than just a few flat rings.  Take a look at the real world intricacy of this piece below.

  

"I generally roam through the space noting its architecture, materials, history and function.  From these spatial data and with reference to the last piece that I made, I define a point of view from which my intervention takes shape."  - Felice Varini 

           If you want to learn more, be sure to check out Felice Varini's website to see his huge portfolio of installations and read more about his work and process.  I will say though that his website is in French and will need to be translated, but most browsers will offer to do that for you automatically.  Make sure to click on "hors point de vue" to see other points of view.  Its well worth any extra work.  Here are a few more of my favorites.

  

  

Matt Shlian - The Paper Engineer

Matt Shlian
Paper Sculptor and Engineer
Mattshlian.com

          

          I personally have always had a thing for geometry and 3D design, so this is right up my alley.  When I first came across some of Matt Shlian's work, I was astounded.  I still can't believe the level of intricacy, precision and size of some of his paper sculptures as he calls them.  If anyone has worked with paper or done origami, you know how difficult it can be to get sharp edges and points, but that does not seem to be an issue for Matt.

          Most people think of paper as nothing more than just a white, smooth, flat piece of tree pulp, but it can be so much more.  Matt Shlian does an amazing job of redefining the boundaries of what "folded paper" can be.  At first glance his work looks like molded plastic or metal with sharp edges and smooth curves.  But only in the description did I learn that everything he makes is only paper.  The thought and planning that must go into every piece he creates is mind-boggling.
          Matt started as an undergrad studying ceramics but soon realized that he wanted to learn more.  After studying about glass, painting, performance and sound, he graduated with a dual major in ceramics and print media.  Matt started making large computer prints from which he created pop-up designs, early on in college.  He also said that he has always had a fascination with pop-up books and would often take them apart just to learn how they worked.  To top it all off, Matt does not use any kind of computer software, saying that his work just grows and develops as he makes it.  

         Be sure to check out Matt's beautiful website here, and browse through his extensive portfolio, including his videos.  There are some truly amazing things.  Below are just a few of my favorites.