Artist of the Month August 2009

Bland Hoke

Jackson, WY

Bland Hoke was born and raised in Jackson WY, and received a Bachelor Fine Arts from Alfred University. He is interested in the concept of up-cycling, which creates value from materials that would otherwise be discarded. Bland’s work consists of large-scale installations and functional sculptures that push the capabilities and alter the context of cast-off resources. Bland is currently employed as the Public Art Ambassador for the Center of Wonder, a non-profit organization in Jackson WY. He creates public art projects with and for the community of Jackson which are experiential, nature-based, and inspire a sense of wonder. Additionally, Bland works for Custom Iron Design, a full-service artistic fabrication shop.

How and when did you start creating art?

My first breakthrough was working collaboratively with two artists (Ben Roth and Felicia Resor) in 2005. We devised a 700 foot long, 25 foot tall tunnel made from 40 steel arches and titled it ‘Ranch Bow’. The material used in the installation was loaned by a local ranch, and is traditionally used for steel fencing. For two months, Ranch Bow was situated in a cow pasture along side a busy highway provoking questions as to what function the slinky looking sculpture had for the ranch. Afterwards, we returned the material in its original condition. Ranch Bow remains a constant source of inspiration, and informs many ideas I am currently working on.

What media and genres do you work in?

Similar to organic eggs, or fair trade coffee, I chose to identify the source of materials I use, such as; off-spec textiles, salvaged steel, miss-tinted paint, cut-offs, drop pieces, scrap and decommissioned equipment. This choice to use waste is practical because I usually seek large quantities of material for projects, and waste is usually free. The bigger picture I am addressing is the lifecycle of materials, where they come from and where they will eventually go, and how art can intervene temporarily, if not permanently within the lifecycle of a material.

Who or what are your influences?

In college, I was awarded a grant to study and travel to several material reuse organizations which divert usable waste material from regional industries and provide it to artists and thrifty people in a convenient warehouse. This research led me to contact companies directly, inquiring about usable waste. The results were staggering, the materials exotic, and quantities of waste were exponential compared to residential garbage. The industrial waste stream is my greatest influence as it represents a tangible problem that can be addressed by creative people, both artistic and business oriented.

Blissful Helix - On a spring sledding excursion on Aspen Snowmass Mountain, I happened across an 80 ton spool of cable, recently decommissioned from a chair lift called Sheer Bliss. I asked if I could use a couple thousand feet of the old cable and was granted access to the somewhat unwieldy material. I was inspired by the construction of the cable, a series of spiraling wires that create the 2” thick cable, or ‘haul rope’ as it is called in the ski industry. I fabricated a modular armature from salvaged structural steel to support the 250 individual lengths of cable I cut from the spool. For three weeks, the sculpture was exhibited adjacent to a music venue on Aspen Snowmass Mountain and then relocated next to the new Sheer Bliss lift as a creative memorial to the past lift.

Describe your creative process?

I work both from developing an idea and finding materials to suit the project, or vice versa where I find a stash of unused or neglected material and find a creative way to utilize it. Both methods of working are satisfying, however I am drawn to exploring and locating sources of waste to make use of because the results are always unexpected. Aesthetically, I am drawn to simple systems that when repeated create forms that present complex visual patterns and cohesive shapes. Conceptually, I seek to create experiential sculpture that envelops the viewer or creates active participation.

What are you working on currently?

Two projects are currently underway: Go Hammocking! and Flutter Tunnel. Go Hammocking is an experiential pubic art event. Approximately 500 hammocks will be created from a donation of one linear mile of ‘streaked’ mesh from a manufacturer. The hammocks will be distributed and collectively hung in a forest on a local ski mountain to create a ‘Float Field’: an experiment in consciousness. The science behind relaxing in a hammock reveals the generation of alpha brain waves as a result of floating peacefully. Alpha brain waves are the most relaxed state of wakefulness, a state of mind that provokes creativity and promotes wellness. The Float Field is an experiment in the synergistic reaction of a large populous producing alpha brain waves collectively. The goal of the project is to show the benefits of hanging out in a hammock in nature, amongst swaying trees and a gentle breeze. Flutter Tunnel is the second iteration of Ranch Bow, and will create enduring environmental and humanitarian benefits. Flutter Tunnel is a 1000 foot long tunnel, created from 100 arches measuring 22 feet tall, and 28 feet wide. The installation will be exhibited in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada for the annual Burning Man festival. Flutter Tunnel will be illuminated by 200 solar powered flashlights, and further enhanced by highly reflective sequin scrap (a honeycomb Mylar ribbon). Additionally, a salvaged cable stretching the entire length of Flutter Tunnel will connect each arch, enabling people to collectively tension the tunnel back and release pulses of movement down the length of the sculpture. After 7 nights of display, the solar powered flashlights will be shipped off to Sierra Leone on a shipping container of books, enabling students in Sierra Leone to study at night while replacing hazardous kerosene lanterns. The steel used to create the arches will be returned in its original condition and the sequin scrap will be gifted to another arts organization to make use of.

What are your near/long term goals as an artist?

Grad school is the next short-term goal, in addition to developing a public art program for Jackson. My long-term goal is continuing to develop a sense of purpose in making artwork. I have pondered the function of art in society, and seek to understand how it can benefit humanity beyond the walls of museums, galleries and traditional art institutions. For instance, a network of artists in residence at manufacturing plants across the country, making creative recommendations to both reduce waste by upcycling usable materials into ideas which serve society in a positive manner. In the meantime I am always excited to consult artists on where to find/procure materials for free, while reducing waste and educating people about its potential!

Where can people view/purchase your work (gallery, website, etc)?

Come to Jackson WY this August 14-16th (who can turn down a spontaneous adventure?) Buy a hammock for $5 and come hang out in the Float Field. Or, visit www.blandhoke.com for information on works available.

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