Bringing Drawing to a Third Dimension
JASON WALKER Lecture
November 1, 2016
12:00pm
University Galleries
Normal, IL
Grew up in Idaho “West” not East “Iowa”
16 years of studio artist living off of work
Between that time, he has taught and participated in residencies.
Lives and works in Hawaii
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Incredibly interested in the magnificence of Chinese poetry and its masses, as well as its use of ceramic as a surface for drawing or painting. He asks himself "Why make what I make? Forms?" During graduate school, he began inquiring what nature is defined to be. Through nature he is able to examine the culture he lives in as well as self- reflection and how those personal undertones tie into his work.
At the end of the lecture, Jason Walker was questioned by fellow ceramist Albion Stafford about the relationship shift of the important of clay. In the beginning of Walker's work, knowing the material being clay or porcelain was significantly important in the sense of pottery. In addition, he addresses the significant historical content clay has in that it was one of the first technologies. Humans learned that buy containing fire something can change completely. Jason Walker says, "you can make whatever you want with clay." Walker is most interested in the physical properties of clay which he is expanding in his most latest works. He is exploring the landscape of technology.
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| http://www.crossmackenzie.com/jason-walker-corporeal-perspectives/ |
Concrete to urban situation.
Wonder like a child.
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| http://www.ceramicsnow.org/post/3312130159/jason-walker-wild-ones-and-zeroes |
Exploration and discovery within places that are considered wild yet they are always within access. If we allow them to be. Capitalism consumes its consumers. Suffocation and panic. Jason Walker invites his viewer to engage in this conversation of capitalism effecting the environment around us. Maybe even educating us in a way children’s books are constructed. Illustrative, colorful, hybrid forms, animals, people, buildings, textures. All details are being taken in in it’s most minimal sense. Until there is a break in perception and you really understand what is going on. Walker had described technology as a superpower, especially in digital technology.
It is interesting to engage in a conversation shortly after with a peer. Leaving the lecture enchanted and interested in seeking more of the work. Being confronted and given the view of from someone who isn’t for the government and uninterested, “another white man talking about capitalism.” Although, this view is apparent and true, Jason Walker is going beyond by himself actively participating in capitalism as a means for living. It is intriguing that utilitarian ceramic work that is also being spoken to technology, the environment, and capitalism is being reached to people to use in their daily lives. Perhaps there are collectors of Jason Walker’s work that keep on a shelf, in a cabinet, as a decoration, etc. not to be used in the way it can function. Either way the world has Jason Walker's work...they have it and can share in the dialogue with him.
"Where there are bears, there are not people. These places are considered to be truly wild."
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| http://www.dailyartmuse.com/2011/01/17/jason-walker/ |
