Contra Code Installation

Chad Crane and I recently collaborated on an installation for the 'E Pluribus Unum' show.  Chad (a proud geek) re-introduced me to the 'Contra Code', a series of actions in various old-school video games that allows the player to re-animate their character and essentially become digitally immortal.

The theme of the show was about what unites us as a country, especially during a divisive and often counterproductive political election cycle.  What better way to show our common experience of death than to demonstrate the possibility of endless life, even if it is just in a video game?

Each of the commands for the Contra Code was etched onto welded steel planters arranged in a circle.  Each planter contains a single plant that slowly deteriorates for the duration of the show.

Pedestals in progress

Planters in progress before etching

Planter stands in progress

Planters in progress

Full Deck: Skate Art at SBM

The South Bend Museum of Art has an exhibition of skateboard art up through Jan 8th:

The ones I found most interesting were those that created an image using multiple boards.  If these were ever used, they wouldn't be in a group anymore.  Nor would the images be visible on the bottoms, which would also take the most abuse.

Graffiti at the Hive

The Hive Gallery in Salt Lake Recently held a fantastic exhibit on graffiti art. They're upstairs in Trolley Square, and the exhibit runs through Sept 1.

I picked up this print by Jonathan Baker for ten bucks. He's also got a ton of his sketches there too; it's a great way to get some cool art and help keep venues like this one alive and well without spending tons.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jonathon-B-Baker-Art/147545548625305?sk=wall

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Hive-Gallery/265738907399

The Woolf Table, completed

My collaboration with Stefanie Dykes referencing Virginia Woolf, recently completed --

A log of the process can be found at:
http://blueboathome.blogspot.com/2011/02/woolf-table.html
http://blueboathome.blogspot.com/2011/03/woolf-table-part-2.html

Nox Contemporary

'untitled', Tyler Spurgeon 2010

There's a new gallery in town.  I had the good fortune to attend the opening of Nox Contemporary and meet John Sproul, one of the directors, and Tyler Spurgeon , an exhibiting artist.  I was especially taken by several of Tyler's paintings depicting (and I'm paraphrasing his comments here) 'the struggles we have with ourselves'.


The current show will be running through Feb 4, 2011.  Please see the 15Bytes article/interview for more information.








http://noxcontemporary.com/default.htm


http://TYLERSPURGEON.COM/home.html


http://www.artistsofutah.org/15bytes/10dec/page4.html

Recent Press

Blue Boat Home has been in a good amount of press recently.

The 2010 City Weekly Arty Awards were a few weeks back, and we got one for ‘Best Recycled Works’.  Keep in mind that we were somewhere in between ‘Best Zombie Podcast’ and ‘Best use of Chocolate’.  Still, it was a fun night and a good chance for the Pallet Bench and Ammo Table to be on display and get some use.

I also started showing in the Sugarhouse Gallery.  Stop by and you can see the Bomb Planter, Crankshaft Table, Tractor Table, and Pallet Table on display.  Also at the Sugarhouse Gallery is the work of Julie Lucas, an incredibly talented and insightful sculptor that also works with found objects and three-dimensional mosaics.  We took a field trip together to find new material and both had a blast trading ideas and thoughts on art.

The Ammo Table is currently showing at the Rio Gallery for the Utah Statewide Mixed Media show, and got a Juror’s Award.  The show will be through Nov.

I was also recently interviewed by Shelterpop and Design Milk’s Jamie Derringer about Zero Waste design.  The article focuses on designers’ attempts to reduce their ecological impact and make fantastic stuff with purpose.

Blue Boat Home is now also listed with the Nine Dot Arts, a corporate art consultancy based out of Denver.

In addition, I’m represented at Gallery MAR in Park City.  Stop by and enjoy their fantastic location and wonderful collection on Main Street.