Larnie Fox’s ‘Contraptions’: Gallery Reception
Larnie Fox presents ‘Contraptions’ his installation of invented instruments at C4NM’s Window Gallery! Reception followed by talk/demo by Fox
Artist’s Statement ~ Contraptions
What I’m doing is fun. It has developed, gradually, over many years, starting in Salt Lake City in the early 80s when we had heard about “performance art”. We didn’t have any idea what it was, but we did it anyway, and had a blast. My instrument building work has evolved from hacking old mechanical devices we used in performances, like 8-track tape players or TVs, to working with more natural materials like bamboo, sticks, and feathers. I like common materials, such as plywood, string, and hot glue and I love to work with recycled materials like coat hangers, rubber bands and found hardware
I’ve never formally studied sculpture, or electronics, or sound, so I always feel like an explorer, discovering things that are already well known, but are new to me. My studio feels a bit like a mad scientists’ lab. My lack of expertise forces me to keep things basic, so folks can see how the instruments work. I approach these things in new ways, so that folks can see the materials and the objects created from them in new ways as well.
I am happy if there is a little pathos to my work. Perhaps they look like a child made them, or perhaps they look like they are ready to break. I am happy if there’s a little vulnerability to the work. I have no desire for my work to be polished or slick.
I love making things, then turning them over to collaborators to see what they do with them ~ it is always surprising! It is akin to the joy one feels after giving a successful present to a loved one. What I am doing is fun. Deep fun.
Larnie Fox
8/10/24