American kinetic sculptor Nemo Gould takes a variety of found and recycled objects and carefully coaxes out strange robotic creatures.
The results are slightly dark, Sci-Fi inspired sculptures that speak of the artist’s fascination with our naive view of technology and include an infusion of self-portraiture. We asked Nemo to tell us a bit more about his stunning artwork.
Please tell us about your art.
My art is typically an attempt to help adults experience the kind of wonder that came naturally to them as children.
How do you use found or recycled objects in your artwork?
I use almost entirely found objects in my work. My studio is filled with a wide assortment of scavenged things, though I have a preference for aluminum, wood, and old machines. In order to best use these materials I have had to learn a number of skills outside of my art training. Wood re-finishing, metal machining, welding, wiring, whatever is necessary to be fully involved with the things I find.
Is your recycled art a comment on the state of the environment?
Not intentionally, no. I am not trying to make any sort of environmental statement. I do personally care about the environment very much, but this is not why I use found materials. I just find them far more interesting than raw materials. I am always pleased though that my work can be used as an example of the potential value in things we throw away.
Please describe your creative process.
My process starts with collecting. I spend a number of hours a week just looking for junk. Sometimes I will find something that is immediately inspiring, sometimes it is more subtle. Nonetheless I find that if I hold on to it, I'll find a use for everything eventually. The actual building process is sort of like a jigsaw puzzle. I have a room full of parts that can be put together in a myriad of ways so it takes a lot of experimentation and failure to discover the best arrangements. Usually I will discover a facial feature or physical gesture in one of the objects and then set about searching for other objects that will bring these features out. The trick is to be patient. Often one failed piece becomes the beginning of the next success.
Where do you get your materials?
I had the privilege of being the Artist in Residence at the San Francisco Dump a while back. I have kept in touch with them and visit often for new material. I also am a steady patron of Urban Ore, a giant used goods warehouse in Berkeley. I actually worked there for a few years just to get close to the good stuff. There are also a few scrap metal yards in the East Oakland area that I frequent.
How long does it take to make one of your sculptures?
Because of the unpredictable nature of my materials I find I have to have several projects going simultaneously. This way when I just can't seem to find the right model vacuum cleaner to saw in half to finish something I'm not completely stalled. In general I would say that I am finishing one or two pieces a month, but I will have been tinkering with them for three or four months to bring them to completion.
What is your inspiration for the art?
I pull a lot of inspiration from Science Fiction movies, comic books etc. I'm really drawn to the more naive view of technology and what the future will bring. This stuff was fascinating as a kid. As you grow older and learn more about how things actually work it all loses some of the luster. I guess I'm more interested in delivering the promise of what we hoped the future would bring, rather than what it probably will.
There is also a self-portrait component involved. I have always been a good deal taller than average, and some say a bit intimidating. Nonetheless I will always see the nerd I was in high school when I look in the mirror. I think I am most satisfied with my pieces when they have some of this duality to them. At a glance they seem menacing, but if you linger a bit they reveal themselves to be harmless, or even a bit pitiful.
Do you make primarily animals and human sculptures?
Yeah, I used to do more abstract formal stuff but don't seem to have the knack for it now. I'm pretty hooked on representing "living things" at the moment though I am open to wherever that takes me.
What is your favorite sculpture you have made?
That is impossible to answer. I just finished a sculpture of a robot giving himself a headache that I am particularly fond of. I think the appeal is that it’s autobiographical. Here is this angry little robot tuning a crank that makes sparks fly around in his head and here I am bent over the workbench building the robot and giving myself a splitting headache in the process.
Where do you sell your work?
I sell most of my work through my website. I do show in galleries occasionally but find it an increasingly prohibitive way to do business. Nonetheless, it is essential to get the work out where people can see and touch it so I make certain to do a gallery shows often. I prefer museum venues whenever I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity. They can offer the public a good art experience without the contradictions of the profit motive.
Do you make commissions?
Yes, I do commissions. They tend to be one of two extremes. Either very small pieces that are commissioned as gifts or very large pieces that are commissioned for outside of peoples’ homes. In either case they are usually derived from past work. I ask the client to pick out three or four of their favorite pieces from my portfolio and to talk about what they personally would like to see. Because I rely so completely on found materials, I simply can't re-create old work, or build anything directly from a concept sketch. With careful communication though, I am able to give people what they want without having to compromise my style or my process.
Visit: www.nemomatic.com
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