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LIFE in Deep Ellum

A.K. Marder Artist Statement 
Born in Brooklyn, New York the environment I grew up in was very diverse. Opportunities were limitless growing up in the city. The mentality of establishing myself as an individual was instilled in me at a young age. I started welding when I was 13 yrs old, metalworking and overall working with my hands has been a prominent feature in my lifestyle. Fueling that passion I bounced around in my late teens from the Fashion Institute of Technology to the Art Students League in New York City. In 2011, I earned my Bachelors of Fine Arts in Metalsmithing and minor in Sculpture from Savannah College of Art & Design. By 2018, I earned my Master’s of Fine Arts in Arts & Technology Emerging Communications at the University of Texas at Dallas. 
My research involves digital fabrication; the process of additive and subtractive rapid prototyping. My work merges digital fabrication with traditional fabrication. Using 3D modeling, 3D scanning, and high-resolution rendering enables traditional work to be executed at a higher quality with an effective use of resources. Due to this process, the work produced is precise and easily manufactured. Traditionally, work can be envisioned on paper and or with clay. By creating 3D models, I am able to create my visions with ease. Instead of creating fragile maquettes, these ideas can be created on the computer and digitally rendered at a high resolution in an easily readable format. Scale, proportions, material and orientation can be easily be modified for varying compositions. With the use of 3D models, compositions can be manipulated in un-limiting ways; opening a multitude of perspectives. Merging the world of digital fabrication with traditional fabrication. 

My body of work “Give or Take” and “Drawing with Light” has grown from my research and demonstrates my proposal in redefining traditional fabrication processes with the aid of modern technology. 

Conceptually, this body of work focuses on the ambiguity of the audience. An audience can be guided through the artwork but depending on the type of person they are; their interpretations will vary. Between optimistic and pessimistic viewpoints, everyone will have their unique association to the work. An audience can only be shown a perspective they are open to envisioning. “Give or Take” has branched out in many sculptural forms and utilizes spaces in unique ways. “Give or Take” consists primarily of hands as the subject. The work has turned into a series of installations. The very first installation was purely composed of white polyurethane casted hands. These hands were either 3D modeled to be low poly count or life molded and casted. The color used in the work is white. Defined by color theory; is the absence of color. The simplicity of the hands leaves it open to interpretation, allowing the audience to apply their own personal association to the work. The 3D modeled hands vary in three different sizes, the life casts are all unique one-offs. Status, race, gender can be assumed by the audience when addressing the 3D modeled hands. Positioning the hands is whereas the artist, has control over the power and impact of the installation. My work is heavily influenced by Matteo Pugliese and Lene Kilde sculptures where they only isolate portions of the human figure. These isolated views force the focus of its viewer to really observe the orientation, form, color, material and emphasis the subject has on its surroundings. By following a similar suite, I am eliminating other variables from my installation that could distract the viewer. Variables inhibit the imagination, manipulating and controlling those variables help to guide the perspective of the audience. Eliminating as many variables as possible is the primary goal of my concept. 

“Drawing with Light” series is a body of work that focuses on shape, form, and manipulating light. Foundation of the sculptures begin with a 3D model generated in under 5 min. The 3D model is then altered and lowered in polycount to create an oversimplified and geometric shape. Using another program, I unwrap the 3D model and use its mesh to create a 2D file for laser cutting. Once my file is laser cut out of cardboard, I assemble the pieces together to compose the final prototype. The prototype is used as a bust to weld on top of (yes it occasionally starts small fires so I keep a spray bottle filled with water on hand). 

Once the welding is done, the cardboard is removed and I am left with a metal line drawing of the object. Each sculpture is unique incorporating LED’s, acrylic panes, and mounted in various ways. This series is an exploration of working with light and using the casted shadows as part of the pieces. I create unique pieces based off of a potentially mass manufactured object. Another minimalist approach in appearance that took meticulous and precise applications. 

Continuing to grow and create, I challenge the concept of mass-produced work in contrast to one of a kind works. For every step that technology can replace what the hand does, the concern rises for the world of unique, handmade creations. My use of technology is to exemplify the quality produced from advanced technology while still incorporating those subtle features that only the hand can create.

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2803 Taylor Street · Dallas, TX 75226


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