STOLEN PROPERTY - TONY FITZPATRICK and FRIENDS
Tony Fitzpatrick / Jessie Sioux Achramowicz / Duncan Robert Anderson / Lou Beach / Jason Brammer / Nick Bubash / Emily Burns / Mariano Chavez / Ashkon Haidari / Kelly Houlihan / Jessica Joslin / Tyler Krasowski / Nate Otto / Audrey Sacred Raven / |
Mariano Chavez
UNTITLED - HIVE (left) 2014, Manipulated bee hive and bees wax on plaster fabric I SHED MY SKIN (bottom left) 2013, shed snake skin on paper SM05 (bottom) 2014, shed snake skin on paper Mariano Chavez works in a variety of media ranging from painting, drawing, printmaking and sculpture. Although the work takes form in different material what remains consistent is a personal vocabulary and themes that resurface and evolve. The dark comedy—the sexual—and the unknown are reoccurring topics in the artist’s work. Born in 1974 in Big Wells, TX the artist moved to Chicago in the early 90’s to attend The School of the Art Institute of Chicago where he received both his B.F.A and M.F.A in Painting and Drawing. Mariano has exhibited both nationally and internationally—he lives and works in Chicago. |
Audrey Sacred Raven House of Sacred Raven
FOREMOST of NOBLE LADIES 2014, Hide Scraper 24kt Gold Blade, 19th Century Osage Orange Wood Handle, Czech Cut Beads on Felt, Gold Plated Rhinestone Chain, Brass Tacks, Lace over Trade Cloth with SIlk Shawl Fringe. Blade tip and beaded section is 7 inches long and 3 inches wide Handle 16 inches long 7inches around Fringe 23 inches long from end of handle The traditional hide scraper of Plains Indian women is an invaluable tool. Great skill is required to prepare the hides of animals. Providing their families with lodges, clothing and almost all material possessions. The utilitarian and practical nature of this tool was also a means in which a woman could gain social recognition and prestige through her skill and artistic ability. Richly decorated to the point of being unusable, I wanted to illustrate the aspirational ideals through the use of extravagant materials. Gleaming gold and dazzling rhinestones, beads in rich jewel toned versions of the crow color palette. Delicate lace layered over the highly prized scarlet trade cloth. Long shimmering silk fringe the color of lapis lazuli. Resembling treasure found in tombs of illustrious Egyptian Pharaohs. Artifacts of a golden age. I must say the subject is intriguing. It makes me consider how we as native people have been forced to adapt to and maybe even adopt the mindset of the dominant society. As a Crow artist in 2014, maintaining my cultural traditions while trying to make a living doing it can be conflicting to say the least. The American dream is to make something out of "nothing". Nothing. There is only an America now because of the attitude that we Native people were nothing. Fit to pave over and build their own dream. Even knowing this I still want what they have. If I can reach someone with my art and teach them something about my culture, then maybe making money from selling my work (as we are taught is our "american right") isn't so bad. Audrey Sacred Raven Crow Nation, Montana |

Jessica Joslin
COYOTE and HUMMINGBIRD
antique hardware and findings, brass, steel, silver, vintage trim, brass chain, glove leather, glass eyes. 10" x 6" x 10"
The creatures that populate Jessica Joslin’s world are intricate fusions of bone, brass, antique hardware and other scavenged treasures. Infused with the Victorian era’s passion for natural history and arcane technology, these creatures reflect both the real and the imagined animal, the living and the dead. Through careful observation and intricate construction, they re-imagine the animal kingdom, bolt by bolt, beast by beast. They are a nod to the Wunderkammer of yore, and the Victorian predilection for invention and exploring science through the collecting of naturalia. The precision of the engineering conveys a sense that these beasts are anatomically plausible, and the spark of life is simulated through limpid glass eyes, engaging the viewer silently and directly.
Inspired by the beauty of skeletal architecture, and a passion for assemblage sculpture, Jessica Joslin began building her bestiary of mechanical animals in 1992. Her collection of creatures includes a myriad of different species and hybrids, and numbers over 200 sculptures in total. With a extensive background in the professional trades, Joslin honed her fabrication skills building toy prototypes, architectural models, trade show displays, photo props, and film sets. Her monograph, “Strange Nature” was published in 2008, and her work has been featured in numerous books, magazines and exhibitions worldwide.
COYOTE and HUMMINGBIRD
antique hardware and findings, brass, steel, silver, vintage trim, brass chain, glove leather, glass eyes. 10" x 6" x 10"
The creatures that populate Jessica Joslin’s world are intricate fusions of bone, brass, antique hardware and other scavenged treasures. Infused with the Victorian era’s passion for natural history and arcane technology, these creatures reflect both the real and the imagined animal, the living and the dead. Through careful observation and intricate construction, they re-imagine the animal kingdom, bolt by bolt, beast by beast. They are a nod to the Wunderkammer of yore, and the Victorian predilection for invention and exploring science through the collecting of naturalia. The precision of the engineering conveys a sense that these beasts are anatomically plausible, and the spark of life is simulated through limpid glass eyes, engaging the viewer silently and directly.
Inspired by the beauty of skeletal architecture, and a passion for assemblage sculpture, Jessica Joslin began building her bestiary of mechanical animals in 1992. Her collection of creatures includes a myriad of different species and hybrids, and numbers over 200 sculptures in total. With a extensive background in the professional trades, Joslin honed her fabrication skills building toy prototypes, architectural models, trade show displays, photo props, and film sets. Her monograph, “Strange Nature” was published in 2008, and her work has been featured in numerous books, magazines and exhibitions worldwide.