Window Dressing XXXVI: James Edward Talbot
Exhibition Dates: June 24th through July 1st 2024 (visible 24 hours/day)
Artist Reception: Friday, June 28th, 8-10 pm
Artist Statement and Bio:
Most people know me by my larger public works—my art house Casa Neverlandia, the sculptures at South Congress & Little Stacy Park, the pedestrian bridges at the airport, and children’s environments such as Folk Toy, The Green Classroom & the Fairy Pavilion at Walnut Creek Park. What you might not know is that I’ve always worked in smaller scales as well.
Whatever its size, much of my art is made of small things--tiles, stained glass, bricks, mirror shards, stones--built up into big things, with my first love being glass seed beads. For as long as I can remember I have been a maker with a keen interest in the various craft cultures around the world. I remember the first time I stepped inside a bead shop in Barcelona I was spellbound. I’d never seen “real” beads before: metallic, opalescent, pearlescent, color-lined, satin, 3-cut, tubular; beads from Czechoslovakia, Austria, Japan & beyond! Since then I’ve incorporated beads with wrought iron, leather, stained glass, LEDs, casting resin, ceramics, and other materials. My favored techniques are unbacked loomwork, appliqué, wrapping, fringework, inlay, clear-casting, and wiring.
Beads engage both my visceral and spiritual side. They have a timeless quality which demands that I slow down and think in the long term. I get seduced by their shimmering kinetic brilliance. Their pixel-like scale lends itself both to geometric line work and to organic, pointillistic shading. I can create depth and texture by surrounding translucent bead ‘windows’ with frames of opaque or metallic beads, or by piling on extravagant masses of fringe. Taking cues from many native cultures, I’ve used them to adorn & glorify everyday objects and to reintroduce ceremony & magic into our lives.
Beads are a time-release medium. The rich, glittering textures they provide means that any alteration in lighting or any change of the viewer’s vantage point reveals new aspects; more than a first glance is needed to grasp the work. Viewing becomes a highly rewarding discovery process.
This work requires diligent effort--it speaks of caring, intention, and the sacred. This is how I show my love and gratitude—this is art for the ages. For me, time is not money and the gratification goes well beyond instant.
My current focus revolves between teaching classes in Ferrocement Sculpture, creating studio art, and giving tours of Casa Neverlandia, located in Austin, TX.