Art of the Month: Casey Curran I
Posted by Lani LehmanCasey Curran is a Seattle artist who’s ability to fuse thick old books and miles of wire is beyond crafty. Not only does he have the skills to rework wire into an etymologically perfect insect, many of his works feature a hand crank and moving parts on the background of several seamlessly connected, once loved books. Curran’s crafty works can be seen at Gallery IMA in Pioneer Square, and the link, where there is series of his work in glorious vintage (looking) motion.
1. Who or What is your biggest artistic inspiration?
Well that’s two questions. The answer to the first being Alexander Calder. I think of him as the seed that sowed the forest, and a more resent inspiration would be Arthur Gansen. Both are kinetic artists and I gained much of my mechanical inspiration from each. My biggest inspiration art-wise is antiquated knowledge. I like to rummage through old bookstores turning through time yellowed pages and the cracked spines of hard bound books. It’s interesting to read a book written over a hundred years ago and see how the values imbued there apply to the values of contemporary society.
2. What is your favorite local book store?
I do most of my art gathering at both Twice Told Tales and Half Price Books. Half Price Books has a better dumpster though.
3. Where is the best place to view art in Seattle?
You mean besides Gallery I.M.A. where I show my art right? I’d have to say Greg Kucera has consistently good shows but I really like what the Frye has been doing in the last year or so.
4. Best place to hide in public?
The best place to hide is in the open. More often than not when you’re having a really good hair day.
5. What is the best site or blog that we don’t know about yet?
I don’t read blogs, I just listen to NPR. You’ve heard of NPR right?
6. If you could go to any planet in our solar system which would it be?
I’d like to see what’s in the middle of Jupiter’s giant red spot. Of course I would see this from space in the safety of my rocket ship. I wouldn’t really be able to see it from the ground. In fact there really isn’t any ground to Jupiter, just gas eventually compressing to liquid.
[Editor’s Note: As in the print magazine’s Artist Portfolio, the blog feature will showcase exceptional visual talent in all mediums. Please send submissions to ali @ rivetmagazine.org.]
