This week we would like to introduce San Jose-based artist Ryan Carrington! He was previously our Pop-Up Open Studio Artist in August 2018, has featured work in the 2018 exhibition The Art of Labor in partnership with Surface Design Association, and is currently preparing for his upcoming solo exhibition at SJMQT titled Contradictions. Ryan's work deals with a wide range of issues that connect labor, class, work ethic, and economics with his personal history and family. Using cast objects, construction materials, and tools that combine craftsmanship with symbolic irony, he is able to communicate his thoughts, ideas, and memories regarding themes of labor.
What are materials and processes utilized in your body of work?
I am an interdisciplinary artist who uses the idea that the material that something is made out of can inform the ideas behind the work. By using construction materials directly off the shelf from Home Depot, pieces of uniforms that represent America’s workforce, or performing acts of labor while dressed as a CEO, I invite a discussion about the ever-changing class struggle in the United States.
I grew up in a family that values labor, hard work, and creating with one’s hands. My work bridges issues of labor, class, work ethic and economics with my personal and family history. Within my studio practice I delve deep into processes that parallel the monotony and tedium that laborers endure.
Through my art, I shed light on a corner of our society with a rich history of craftsmanship, process, and precision. By nurturing a fresh fascination of tools and materials, I provoke consideration for how we value each other in our ever-changing community.
Describe the main differences of your 'old' studio to your 'Shelter in Place' studio.
Certainly teaching art has taken a huge shift, and I miss seeing the wonderful students at Santa Clara University, and having access to the Edward M. Dowd Art and Art History building. For the most part, my sewing studio hasn’t changed much. After teeth are brushed and stories are read, I transform my living room and kitchen island into my studio the same way that I have for years.
What has surprised you about your art practice since the Shelter in Place order?
Being productive is a challenge. My wife and I both have fulltime teaching positions that have needed to be completely reinvented during the pandemic, and on top of that we are now fulltime caring for our 5 and 2-year-old children. In the beginning at the end of the day it has proven harder than usual to pull out my machine and notions, but we have a pretty good rhythm going now, and I’m excited about my health care worker uniform flag that I’m making.
What do you do when you get "stuck" in your creative process? Where do you turn for inspiration?
Often when I get “stuck” I turn to the limitations of the materials, and try to see what I can do to push them. At the hardware store one day I realized that the colors of the screws for sale were the same as the fashion designer plaid Burberry, and I immediately began working on how to create the iconic pattern. Through trial and error my Screw Relief Series began, and I was humbled to win honorable mention with one of these pieces in the Art of Labor show sponsored by the Surface Design Association at the SJMQT in 2018.
What are you currently reading/ listening to?
I’m pretty much a podcast junky. Lately it has been the economic show Planet Money, and I just can’t get enough!
What advice would you give to other creatives at this moment in time?
Keep making. Even if it means simply getting out your materials and having a look at them. We are made to create, and, although it is difficult under these circumstances, it is imperative to your health that you find a way to keep your mind, hands, and hearts productive.
What drew you to the fiber art medium over others?
I’m an interdisciplinary artist who works with everything from cast metal, to plywood, to fiber. I can’t say that I was drawn to fiber art over other mediums, rather I was drawn to the rich conceptual history that used garments have to share. Through utilizing the uniforms of blue and white-collar workers to create American flags, I provoke a conversation for how we value each other in our ever-changing society. Used fabrics tell a story, and I am always surprised by the rich and intimate history that clothing can provide when dissected.
What artist, who works in a different medium, informs your practice?
A personal hero of mine is Mierle Laderman Ukeles. Her work highlights underrepresented groups in our culture through everything from performance to prints to objects and helped provide context to the idea of “maintenance art”. During her over 40-year artist-in-residence at the New York City Department of Sanitation, she has created choreographed truck performances, shook the hands of every single worker, and chrome platted a garbage truck to be used in NYC. Her subtle yet strong approach to her artwork, while remaining fully committed to her cause and aesthetics, are things I aspire to do in my studio practice.
What non-art related activity do you do to invigorate your body/ mind?
We are fortunate enough to have a wonderful garden in our backyard, and spend many hours out there. There are few things that exemplify patience as much as a garden, and the joy of my little ones harvesting broccoli was an incredible gift from Mother Nature.
What is your favorite place to look at art work on the web? In person?
Insta. So quick, little commitment. Just let me turn it on cruise and flood me with images.
What are you looking forward to doing again once Shelter in Place is over?
Seeing those that we love. We’ve got a lot of action here, and, although we would love to venture out to the park, the hardest part is being away from the people who are so important to us.
Anything else you would like to say or mention?
I was selected for the Center for Arts and Humanities Fellowship 2020-2021 for my upcoming exhibition at the SJMQT. They recently asked me to put together a blog post that they plan to publish soon, and two excerpts from that are below.
“I’ve been preparing for my solo exhibition at the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles titled, Contradictions, scheduled to open in November. Imagine a take on the tradition of the American barbeque, complete with flags, gingham plaid, and a giant plywood pie. The work is meant to simultaneously honor traditions of American culture, as well as provoke consideration for how we value each other in our ever-changing community.
By using the uniforms of healthcare workers to make an American flag, I’m honoring the hard work and dedication that they are putting forth as they literally fight for our lives. The sacrifice and courage that our nurses, doctors, and hospital staff have made for the health of our society is unimaginable. Trained as an artist, this is my way of participating in this larger conversation, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to say thank you for their service, and hope that everyone stays safe through these uncertain times.”
