About this project
$5,696
74
THE ART
It is my passion to breathe life into wire, to take strong heavy metal wire and capture the essence of a person -- a living breathing soul through the folds and softness, the wrinkles and movement of a garment created from wire. My hope is to stir you and cause you to reflect on the life lived within that body I have captured. Movement and gesture play a big part in reflecting the essence of a person. I often feel like I have captured a moment, a snap second of time, freezing movement. I have been working with wire for the past 18 years, looking at photos of people in forms of movement, reflecting upon them and then creating sculptures that begin with one piece of wire and then grow as I twist hundreds of pieces together to form a life within a garment. In case you have not seen my work, you can see my sculptures at www.kristinemays.com
In November of 2011 I was selected as the Artist-in-Residence for the Hunters Point Shipyard Studios through the Shipyard Trust for the Arts (STAR). Along with exhibition opportunities, and a chance to connect to the Bayview community here in San Francisco, California -- this 18 month residency has given me space to create new work within a beautiful spacious studio! I have found myself creating more than ever and I can see how my work has grown and progressed. My latest work has been more lyrical, often exploring aspects of the wind blowing against the body or the gestures that come through dance. As my residence comes to an end in May of 2012, I would like to take steps to expand and put more of my work out into the world. This is the next step in my career.
THE PLACE
At my last Open Studios event, a number of people remarked that my sculptures reminded them of the spirit of New Orleans. These remarks made me ask, "Just what is the essence of New Orleans?" Sure, I could read books or watch the travel network on TV. I could buy a cookbook or listen to some jazz or brass band music (all things I have done). However - the best way to soak it all in is to actually engage in the sights, smells, sounds and movement of this amazing city firsthand! I am planning a 10 day trip to the city of New Orleans to gather inspiration, to do the groundwork for garnering an exhibit there, and to capture the essence of the city infusing it into my newest body of work.
As an artist I am interested in finding out how my experience and memory of this place will translate into my two and three-dimensional sculptures. The artist Ann Hamilton said, "As an artist, you’re always trying to figure out how to give voice -- in some way or another -- to something that’s there, but that’s not necessarily visible." By becoming immersed in this new place -- watching the way people move about, what they wear, how they respond to life -- I'll have a chance to acquire a new set of stories that play out among my wire sculptures. Coming from San Francisco, a city with it's own richness and culture, it will be interesting to explore the terrain between cultural difference as well as witness the universal elements of human experience within this city that I will be seeing for the first time. I wonder how my work will evolve. What new audiences will I expose myself to? What doors will open as the work expands and flourishes? Each of my sculptures has a purpose and a story. I wonder what stories will arise in the works created out of this experience. Wouldn't you like to know?
WHY TRAVEL?
Traveling will provide a way to seek new influences and inspiration, expanding upon my work in even greater ways. This initial trip is to do the footwork, the groundwork -- to explore and gather information and inspiration. It is an adventure in which I hope to reach new levels of creativity by stepping out of my comfort zone. Hopefully this will be the first trip of many to New Orleans as I work towards exhibiting my work there. With this in mind, I have already begun submitting my work to galleries and making connections with artists who currently live and work within New Orleans. New Orleans is one of a dozen cities in which I'd like to share my talent. My trip will include becoming acquainted with the arts district as I experience the city's local art. I am passionate about meeting local artists and curators, seeing galleries and exposing myself to the unique ways others have shared their artwork.
YOUR SUPPORT
The money you are gifting me will go towards the expense of roundtrip airfare from San Francisco, California to New Orleans, Louisiana as well as cover the cost of accommodations and transportation around the city during my 10 day trip. A new body of work will be created out of this experience. The intention is to show this work in San Francisco, CA as well as in New Orleans, LA. Of course, all "backers" will be invited to come and experience the new work!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
By pledging whatever you can into this project, you have become a backer and a vital part of the journey to fund an adventure that may not otherwise happen. If you aren't familiar to Kickstarter, here's how it works: I have a limited amount of time to reach or exceed my goal. For my campaign, I have chosen 40 days total. Kickstarter is ALL OR NOTHING. If I don't hit my goal, Kickstarter will return your pledge and my project will NOT be funded.
What action steps can you take?
1. Choose one of my incredible rewards!
2. Pledge your support.
3. Spread the word.
So PLEASE, whether or not you donate, spread this page URL around (everyone in your address book).
THANK YOU!
Passion springs forth as I strive to make my next work even more breathtaking than the last! I hope that you will invest in the project and my potential. You will inevitably have a direct connection to the work that I create after this journey. Please pledge and be a part of my adventure.
12/28/2012 - NEW PLEDGE INCENTIVE
Pledge $200. or more -- Big LOVE! This limited edition love set is one flat sculpted piece. Shiny gold letters are accented with a small burgundy heart is a reminder of the transformative power of love.
1/2/2013 - NEW PLEDGE INCENTIVE
Pledge $1000. or more -- Add a full sized sculpture to your collection!
This sculpture, regularly priced at $1800. is being offered to you in my attempt to share my work while expanding upon my dreams! Make it a part of your collection while helping me take one step closer to my goal!
title: Sunshine in Brazil
size: 38in. (h)x 26 in.( w) x 5 in. (d)
Risks and challenges
I think taking risks is the most important thing an artist can do! There's something powerful about following your dreams!
"You have to leave the city of your comfort and go into the wilderness of your intuition. You can't get there by bus, only by hard work and risk and by not quite knowing what you're doing. What you'll discover will be wonderful. What you'll discover will be yourself." - Alan Alda
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Funding period
- (40 days)