Clothesline: nostalgic backyard installation
2010
Drawing, Fine Arts, Visual Arts
Although presented many times, finally exhibited as a collaborative piece combining the work of Neil Ward. Though a personal interpretation of family, the piece is quite approachable and connects well with the audience.
For two artists to come together in collaboration, the obvious challenge is compatibility. This collaboration represents our reaching toward the similarities in our work and ethos—it is the visibility of our compatibility."One the Line" is an experience, not just a piece to be viewed. Time and space are integral to the work, which allows the work to become an extension of real life, a chance to connect with memories and feelings and expressions that the steady sound of a sprinkler can resurrect, or the bright sounds of a happy bird can bring to mind. It is a chance for the audience to feel as if they have been a part of something special, something bigger—not necessarily to feel as if it is new or different, but to feel as if they are home.
Long view of the clothesline, includes leaves on the ground, a days worth of laundry from my house, all rusted because the clothes no longer fit the children, they have grown in my the business of my life as artist, illustrator and art director. The backyard sound effects that are overheard throughout the gallery, sounds of lawnmowers, sprinklers, kids playing, slamming doors, dogs barking, all serve to bring the audience back to their own backyard memories. It's a universal story that doesn't talk down to the viewer, but invites them to experience the work as a personal statement.
Close up of rusted wire clothing, the clothing not only create a repetition and overlay of shapes including the vertical lines, but also the rusted clothes pins.
With the warm lighting cast upon the rusted clothing, it provides a colorful contrast to the blue background.
Images from the first time installation, the gallery completely covered with sod that provides a summer smell and humidity to the gallery, while the repeated summer sound effects add to the overall experience.
The clothesline, along with the gradually aging grass finish off the show with a complete rusted glow.
Another long view of the clothesline and installation. The audience has been known to do cartwheels in the grass as well as have picnic lunches. It is a place of comfort.
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There were 3 different kind of items for sale at the gallery installation. 1. garage sale items. 2. Wire drawings of the items. 3. Rust paintings of the items.Drawing, Fine Arts, Storytelling2011 -
I had a 3 years grant from John Brown University to put together this installation piece. The concept was purchasing items from garage sales, and collecting stories about those objects. I "redeemed" these items and stories as I created wire drawings and rust paintings from the objects. The installation took the form of an actual garage sale, along with signs, many items, and a full size garage inside the gallery space. The inside of the garage was filled with the wire drawings, and extra gallery space held the items and rust paintings.Drawing, Metal Working, Painting2011 -
Wire drawings and rust based paintingsFine Arts, Video Arts2011 -
I've been planning the installation for 4 years through a grant provided me by John Brown University. Ive been purchasing items at garage sales and visiting with the sellers about the items they have in their sale. From the items I purchased, I have created wire drawings, and rust paintings in sort of a redemptive story. All items have stories connected with the titles. The exhibition will include all the items I have purchased, plus the artwork—the installation will include a full size garage in the gallery space and an all day garage sale event for the garage sale items and closing reception for the artwork, bringing together two unique crowds.Installation art, wire drawing, Garage Sale2011 -
September 8 – October 9, 2011: Garage Sale: Installation by Joel Armstrong
• Closing reception: Friday, October 7, 5:30-7:30pmInstallation Art, wire drawing, Drawing2011 -
Rusted paintings for "Garage Sale" installation, Sept 8 thru October 9th, at sUgAR gallery in Bentonville, Arkansas.Fine Arts, Painting, Visual Arts2011 -
After being diagnosed with Bipolar while going to grad school, the combination of medication and amplified activity led me to this image of what it felt like to be bipolar. What people see, and what they don't understand.Fine Arts, Installation Art, Visual Arts2010 -
Memories of night fishing with my father and brother in Corpus Christi, Texas. Always dreamed of what it was like underneath the boat, this answered my question. First and only installation my father ever saw.Installation Art, Fine Arts, Visual Arts2010 -
A collaborative installation by Joel Armstrong and the John Brown University art department. (2007) "The body is a unit, though made up of many parts; and though all it’s parts are many they form one body.” 1 Corinthians 12:12 More to come, soon. JoelDrawing, Fine Arts, Visual Arts2010 -
Just examples of wire portraits: many more are available to see.Drawing, wire drawing2010
