What was the last thing you made?
A walking meditation.
What was the last thing you read?
Contemporary Sculpture : Artists' Writings and Interviews edited by Jon Wood and Julia Kelly in collaboration with the Cragg Foundation, Skulpturenpark Waldfrieden, Wuppertal 2019. The book presents writings and interviews by 50 contemporary artists. They share what sculpture means to them today and within the context of their practices. This is not a picture book as each artist or collaboration is only represented by a single image. The book is broken into sections titled: Objects, Materials and Processes; Modes of Figuration; and Spaces and Places. Krysten Cunningham presents a 1000 words that describe sculpture, Phyllida Barlow presents her lecture on Louise Bourgeois titled "The Sneeze of Louise" and Didier Vermeiren begins with "How and why I became a sculptor isn't of much interest" and continues to describe how "showing a work means making it." The book includes some names I was familiar with and others who are less known in the US. Some write their essays and others provide transcriptions of conversations. I keep this book out in my favorite reading spot, and revisit it again and again. It is a tool for understanding not just sculpture, but the minds behind its creation.
What was the last exhibition you saw?
”Sifting & Reckoning”: UW–Madison’s History of Exclusion and Resistance at the Chazen Museum of Art
Martin Puryear, A Column for Sally Hemmings, 2021. Image: Matthew Marks
Who do you most admire?
My family.
How has your practice changed?
I change it everyday.
What motivates your practice?
Artist thinking.
Your favorite artwork made before your lifetime?
Untitled, 1959, by Lee Bontecou.
Your favorite artwork made during your lifetime?
A Column for Sally Hemings, 2021 by Martin Puryear.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Color palette.
What is your most treasured possession?
Artwork created by my children.
What is it that you most dislike?
Bullies.
What is your idea of happiness?
Making and sharing connections.