About this project
This project has 2 components.
The first component is the creative act of making the artwork. It is a sculpture from my Land Marks Series titled, ‘Spore’.
The artwork, ‘Spore’, repurposes the snath – the long wooden handle of the scythe. The compound curve of the snath, designed over the ages according to the ergonomics of the human crop-cutting motion is reconfigured in 'Spore' and asks us to contemplate the hands that through the ages have transformed our world.
‘The Land Marks Series’ is an ongoing meditation on the transformation of the landscape resulting from our actions. The etymological roots of ‘spore’ relate to seeding and sowing. In biological science the term refers to cells that reproduce into complex organisms. Spores coat the earth’s surface and are found floating as high as 14 miles in the air. The term continues to evolve.
The second component is to take this work to Grand Rapids, Michigan to the ArtPrize Event - part arts festival, part social experiment, this international contest is decided solely by public vote. Art is the focus of the competition, but the main event is community. Artists take over the city, visitors engage with the artwork and new relationships form. The ArtPrize paradigm creates an opportunity for artists and the general public to collide, exchange ideas and form new communities.
I’m reaching out through Kickstarter to ask you to participate in this experiment with me.
It’s about numbers when working in Alaska – big state, big distances, big artwork. With the Kickstarting community’s support, you can help me reach all these numbers. Thanks!
FAQ
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146
Backers
$15,308
pledged of $15,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on October 10, 2010.
Pledge $11 or more Pledge $11 or more
The artwork, Spore is 11 feet tall by 11 feet wide. Your $11 helps me to accomplish those dimensions. Listed supporter on my website.
Pledge $26 or more Pledge $26 or more
Michigan was the 26th state accepted into the union. All of the above AND an artist-produced postcard of the work on site in Grand Rapids, MI.
Pledge $49 or more Pledge $49 or more
Alaska was the 49th state accepted into the union. All of the above AND an artist-produced postcard of the work at the studio in Anchorage, AK.
Pledge $92 or more Pledge $92 or more
This project uses 92 ‘snaths’. All of the above AND A CD of images documenting the construction in AK.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
All of the above AND A short documentary of my experience at ArtPrize 2010.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Whooa. All of the above AND A limited Edition Photograph: 8 x 10 limited edition professional photo of ‘Spore’, beautifully framed and signed by me.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
OMG, I have to sit down and think. All of the above AND A high quality T-shirt with a full color image of Spore on the front
Pledge $1,837 or more Pledge $1,837 or more
And now, just following the logical fun of numbers… Celebrating the year Michigan became a state. Obviously, all of the above AND A vintage View Master with a full ring of images to view of the construction process and the ArtPrize event
Pledge $1,959 or more Pledge $1,959 or more
Celebrating the year Alaska became a state. Obviously, all of the above AND If you live in AK you’ll be invited to a dinner at my studio where you’ll be fêted, wined and dined in appreciation. If you’re in the Michigan area, a picnic at the art site where once again you’ll be fêted, wined and dined in appreciation. If (sadly) you’re in neither of those locations, I’ll send you a sample box of delicious, edible Alaska produced products like smoked salmon, wildberry jellies and jams, locally made cheeses, etc.
Pledge $2,861 or more Pledge $2,861 or more
The air mile distance between Anchorage, AK and Grand Rapids, Mi. You are officially top dog. So you get the big bone: All of the Above AND The air miles to come to Anchorage (and get home) next summer or, if you’re from Alaska, the air miles to go to the 2011 ArtPrize competition.
Project By
Connected as Sheila Wyne
Sheila Wyne is a visual artist based in Anchorage, Alaska. Her studio work has been shown across the state, the Lower 48 and overseas. Her work is in many private collections as well as the permanent collections of the Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau and Pratt Museums. Since 1990 she has designed over 20 public artworks. She is the recipient of numerous awards, fellowships, and grants.
