Combining mixed media with serendipitous renderings, my mixed media works are products of my surroundings, metaphorically and literally. I not only see my materials as tools but partners in creating my imaginative works. I take my inspiration from tangible images and surround them with inventive depictions of my underlying thoughts.
An aspect of found objects that I like is the act of taking everyday items that have usually been discarded and put them into a high art setting. Once you take that item out of its original environment and put it on a white wall you have changed it to a high art context and people stop, observe, and hopefully appreciate it more than they would before. My goal is for the viewer to look at its formal elements and ponder the conceptual relationship between the rest of the painting. A lot of great things in this world get passed by every day and it is a way for me to reverse that. I enjoy helping people slow down for a minute and appreciate the small things in life.
Of course, another element I was attracted to was taking this so called trash and putting it to good use. Reusing. Recycling. I started this before it was hip to be “green” but also appreciate the steps our society is taking to make our planet a cleaner and safer place. My multi-faceted art process is quite relatable to the Recycle, Reduce, Reuse symbol we all have come to know.
I would also compare searching for found objects to Jackson Pollock’s and Willim DeKooning’s action paintings. The action or event of painting (hunting for objects) is almost or more important than the final product. I admired the fact that Jackson Pollock didn’t get caught up in the final product. It was more about the act of painting and I can definitely relate to that. With that, I will continue to do my part to make this world a cleaner and more creative place.
Nathan Monk – 1708 Douglas Lane Lebanon, IN 46052 nathanmonkart@gmail.com
Exhibitions
Bootleg Exhibitions, “Play”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – February 2010
Indy Hostel, “Both Sides of the Beat” Collaborative Art & Music Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – December 2009
Indianapolis Artsgarden, “Holiday Art Sale”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – December 2009
People For Urban Progress Studio, Murphy Building, Solo Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – December 2009
People For Urban Progress Studio, Murphy Building, Solo Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – November 2009
“Open House Art Show”, Group Exhibition, Danville, IN – October 2009
“Oranje – An Interactive Experience of Art & Music”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – September 2009
Palms Casino, “Great Pit Ball” Benefit Auction for Villa Lobos Rescue Center, Group Exhibition, Las Vegas, NV – March 2009
Precious Mettles Gallery, “Curiously Strong Art”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – October 2005
Danville Public Library, Solo Exhibition, Danville, IN – October 2005
South Madison Art Gallery, “Apple”, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – September 2005
Irvington Public Library, Group Exhibition, Indianapolis, IN – November 2004
