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marishaerickson · 8 years ago

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Statement/Bio

I use clay as a material to create scenes comprised of everyday objects that have contemporary or historical significance. I also work in film and sound, integrating these into my ceramic installations. I utilize these various mediums to give my work a strong claim to space, hoping to create an alternative reality, and a simulated experience for the viewer. I am interested in how a specific medium can successfully illustrate an aspect of my work that was not properly represented through a previous medium. I believe this enables greater access for my audience, and perhaps more clues on the conceptual basis of the work. When installing, I intentionally incorporate a variety of technologies from various time periods. Some examples of this are digital vs. analog projection, or a tape recorder vs. computer speakers.

I see a connection between culture and these technologies. I am interested in replicating them in a somewhat humorous and gestural fashion through my ceramic work. Currently, I am fascinated by the conversation that begins when I bring culturally revered, analog, “cool” objects and contemporary “everyday” objects together into one scene. I am interested in how these objects ultimately manifest identities for my generation. The technologies I explore are used for the distribution of medias, such as music and film. Access to these technologies ultimately leads to the cultivation of individual taste and identity. I am interested in the unique aesthetic each of these objects have, and their representation of culture, subculture, and the individuals who utilize them.

When exploring the other side of this relationship, the contemporary “everyday” objects, I am thinking about cultural consciousness and our somewhat lacking awareness of the multitude of objects surrounding us in our homes and community. I am interested in junk food, and of its requirement for a somewhat naive participation. I am touching on food politics when building the concepts surrounding these works, but I am more interested in how brands and food advertisements are reflective of culture, yet in such sharp contrast with our more sincere, and revered objects. I think the aura surrounding junk food is interesting, in it’s reputation for rewarding taste, and it’s relaxed, youthful, and innocent engagement. I’m interested in the taboo of junk food and fast food and its relation to social class. As I am just beginning to explore this relationship, I know that i’m not able to definitively express my conceptual investigation. I do know that currently I find nothing more interesting than the thought of a Mc’donalds cup sitting next to an old record player, with a few m&m’s lying on the ground. The multitude of identities that exist through the objects in a person’s bedroom, and how some of these identities cannot co-exist or be introduced to the other, is very compelling.

Marisha Erickson is a visual and musical artist living in Minneapolis, MN. Erickson utilizes multiple mediums to create scenes that explore culture and identity in relation to everyday objects. While in Minneapolis, Erickson has become involved in multiple musical projects that contribute to her artistic practice.

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