Update: "Framed" @ Greater Reston Arts Center

I've been a wee bit quiet about my upcoming solo show, Framed, at the Greater Reston Arts Center. I wanted to provide a quick update since the show opens next Thursday, May 11.

The work for the show is all done. My goal was to finish it two weeks before the show as to avoid unnecessary stress and pressure up to the last minute. In actuality, I finished the work 10 days before installation (Monday, May 8). All that remains is wrapping up some of the details associated with the installation (various hanging mechanisms and such). It looks like approximately 26-30 pieces will be in the show (final count depends on installation).

For those who did not receive a postcard from me or the gallery, here is the piece that was highlighted:

Synapse
Poplar wood w/ holes
23" x 23" x 1.5"
2006

I recently sent out press releases announcing the show and wanted to include the contents of it here to provide some context:

The upcoming solo exhibition by local artist J.T. Kirkland, Framed, opens May 11, 2006 at the Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE) in Reston, VA and runs through June 16, 2006. There will be a reception for the artist on Saturday, May 13, 2006 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm.

Leveraging a variety of wood, from common poplar and maple to exotic wood from across the world, Kirkland strives to spotlight the inherent artistic beauty found in nature. By implementing hundreds or thousands of hand drilled holes structured as a "frame," Kirkland uses the artistic gesture of the hole to encourage viewers to appreciate the beauty of wood; a beauty that is often overlooked in our day to day lives.

The frame, artistically speaking, has always interested Kirkland in that while it isn't the art, it serves the art. Drawings, photographs and paintings often require frames for presentation and the best frames complement the art visually. In conceptual and functional terms the frame draws the viewer's attention to what the artist wants to be viewed.

"My most recent body of work focuses on the inherent beauty of natural wood, and the artistic gesture of the hand-drilled hole serves to the pleasure of the wood," says Kirkland. "The implied frame formed by the holes puts the viewer's focus on nature's beauty; one that cannot be improved upon by man."

In addition to being fantastic compositions, conceptually Kirkland's work explores the variety of implications associated with the term "frame." Dictionary.com defines "frame" as:

Frame
v. tr.
1. To build by putting together the structural parts of; construct: frame a house.
2. To conceive or design: framed an alternate proposal.
3. To arrange or adjust for a purpose: The question was framed to draw only one answer.
4. To enclose in or as if in a frame: frame a painting.
5. Informal.
a. To make up evidence or contrive events so as to incriminate (a person) falsely.
b. To prearrange (a contest) so as to ensure a desired fraudulent outcome; fix: frame a prizefight.

n.
1. Something composed of parts fitted and joined together.
2. A structure that gives shape or support: the frame of a house.
3.
a. An open structure or rim for encasing, holding, or bordering: a window frame; the frame of a mirror.
b. A closed, often rectangular border of drawn or printed lines.
4. The structure of a human or animal body; physique: a worker's sturdy frame.
5. A general structure or system: the frame of government.
6. A general state or condition: The news put me into a better frame of mind.
7. A frame of reference.

What: "Framed" – J.T. Kirkland solo art exhibition

When: May 11 – June 16, 2006
Opening Reception: Saturday May 13, 2006, 6:00 – 8:00 pm

Where: Greater Reston Arts Center (GRACE)
12001 Market St., Suite 103
Reston, VA 20190
Tel: 703-471-9242
For directions, http://www.restonarts.org/about/directions.htm

Viewing: Exhibition is free and open to the public during business hours
Tuesday – Saturday 11:00 am – 5:00 pm

If you're interested in seeing some preview images of the work to be included in the show prior to the opening, please email me. Otherwise, for those who cannot attend I will be posting an image of one piece in the show each weekday through the course of the show here.

I hope many of you local readers will consider making the daunting 20-25 minute drive from DC out to Reston. I scheduled the opening for a Saturday night to help you Districters make the trek without traffic or work concerns. Come on out and see GRACE's beautiful new space!

Comments

[Chris Rywalt]

"the artistic gesture of the hole" -- pure genius. I've made some wonderful artistic gestures with my holes!

Sorry, irresistable.

"Synapse" looks great. Like Keith Haring Meets the Termites.

[J.T. Kirkland]

That's right folks, no high brow comedy around here. TAA commenters like their jokes dirty! Ha!

Thanks!

[eve]

That piece is really compelling. There's something about the form (is the solid the void?) and the wood grain. Really enjoy looking at it. Have a great show (sorry no dirty jokes - this time).

[J.T. Kirkland]

Thanks for the kind words Eve! I appreciate it!

That and the restraint to not drop a dirty Rywalt.

I think I just coined a new term... "A Dirty Rywalt" which means a low-brow, sexual joke. Brilliant!

[Chris Rywalt]

I've got some high-brow sexual jokes, too, you know.

[michael Fitts]

That piece you posted just kicks ass. Nice work!
mf

[J.T. Kirkland]

Thanks Fitts!

Rywalt - I guess we'll have to see about that!

[Brock]

The idea of enhancing the previous beauty of the wood is so wonderful, I love it; I also love this piece on many levals. I would go to the show if I could.

I did want to ask you about the holes. Do you drill all the way through the wood or just partway?

[J.T. Kirkland]

Come on Brock... how much could it cost to fly from Idaho to DC? I kid.

Thanks for the kind words. For the longest time I drilled the holes all the way through. But halfway through this series of work I began drilling only part way. I drilled far enough to create a black hole (meaning you can't see the bottom of the hole) but not quite all the way through. I'm not sure why I made the change. In one respect I love how black the hole is without any light at all shining from behind. It gives the sense that the hole goes on forever. There's something about that that appeals to me. Plus it's a lot cleaner on the back of the piece.

Some pieces, however, are made from such thin wood that the holes must go all the way through.

Like I said, I'll be posting images of all the pieces in the show on this site during its run. I'll also include installation shots. Hopefully that'll give you a feel for the show.

Thanks!

[Chris Rywalt]

I want to ask you about your holes too, J.T.

Darn, that's not highbrow either.

[susan]

I really like the pieces of this installation, and would love to see it all together meandering from space to space. The concept and the execution are really compelling.
sorry, no hole jokes here! (but i enjoyed the others...)

[J.T. Kirkland]

Thanks Susan! I was going to suggest you go over to the gallery and take a look but I see you're in New Hampshire. I guess that it's not feasible for you to make it down to DC.

I'll be posting more images of the installation a little later on. Hopefully those help you get a feel for the show.

[Gregory Staley]

I'm glad you figured out a way to shoot them.
Open up..here comes the drill