This is my adventure into creating an art installation for the Art in Rural Storefronts project sponsored by The Arts Center of Corvallis. ARS serves regional audiences in Linn and Benton Counties by bringing innovative, thought- provoking art projects to rural communities that lack spaces dedicated to contemporary/non-commercial art. Three artists were chosen to participate. Art in Rural Storefronts is a collaboration between The Arts Center and Rural Development Initiatives. The project is funded in part by the Oregon Arts Commission.
I created a jig using nails in plywood to consistently bend wire for the squares. I chose a 2″ size which will actually yield a bit larger form. Why 2″? It seemed to be a nice unit to work with, not too big and not too small. The square frames are created from 19g wire: easier to bend but not too narrow to get floppy during paper covering.
After winding wire around the nails and cutting so there was a .25-.5″ overlap, the squares were closed shut with a wrapping of 28 gauge. The box is great for storing finished work.
Paper is now dried and flattened.
And cut into 2.5″ squares. I should have estimated a tad more!
Gluing paper around a wire form.
Finished squares.
On to creating a lot more squares and a fish sketch to scale!
So why squares and where is this project leading? You’ll find out more soon! I should also consider changing the name of the project to something that reflects the connection between agriculture and native fish populations.
Sticks, Stones, and Paper Stew Blog 