Ryan Haney
Artist Statement:
My work is very much inspired by
American folk art, and includes practices such as assemblage and combines.
Through the long and precise process of wood burning (pyrography), I engrave
images and designs on scrap wood and assembled pieces; almost all of my work is
made from scraps and throw-aways. By using my work as an outlet, I create
narratives that relate predominantly to two people in my life that I have had
very different relationships with: my grandmother and my grandfather, who had
been separated for about fifty years before I was born.
My grandmother I knew very well,
and had a very close bond with. My grandfather, however, is someone that I have
only met once in my life. My grandfather passed away in 2006, and following the
passing of my grandmother ten years later, I started becoming heavily invested
in their relationship with each other and my relationship with them
individually. My process of wood burning is very much time consuming, and I use
this factor in my work to create some sort of connection with these two people
that I have lost. When slowly making work about my grandmother, I am reminded
of memories and moments that we have shared. But when I make work about my
grandfather, it is almost as if I am trying to answer some questions that were
left unanswered; like I am attempting to fabricate a relationship that never
existed through my work.
Considering these things, it would
be fair to say that process is a very important part of my work. There’s a lot
of spontaneity that goes with it, as I only use materials that I find immediately
available. The conversation that I have with the piece is the main artistic
expression that is occurring; the finished piece is mostly just a product of
that.
List of Inspiring Artists:
Joseph Cornell
Robert Rauschenberg
Johann Dieter Wassman (Jeff Wassman)
Jasper Johns
*None of the above artists are currently making work; am
currently undecided on who I shall give a class presentation on.
Website:
