Kathleen Studebaker, AstroObject [2a.x0]

Sometimes the pieces I create tell a story, more often they exist inside the context of one. I make objects that belong somewhere else, and have a story of their own. I consume narrative fantasy voraciously and have always been fascinated by the idea of a post-paradigm shift future, and what it may hold. I am also interested in (amateur) astronomy; our seemingly infinite universe and all its mysteries. Learning about the life-cycle of stars, or looking at the incredible new images produced by orbiting satellites, reminds me of how small I am: how narrow my view, how finite my nature. I know that I can’t hope to ever truly understand my place in the wider scheme of things. This fact might seem frightening or disheartening, but I use it as inspiration. There are infinite possible stories out there, and as much as I am able, I will use my time here to consume and create as many of them as I can.

The AstroObjects are fantastical gadgets aimed at sparking the viewer’s imagination; they are machines of unknown purpose. Aesthetically, they are inspired by antique celestial navigation tools and laboratory equipment; formally, they echo the building blocks of the universe: from atomic structure to solar systems. They are also an exploration of the interplay between fine art and craft. The natural color of each type of metal is utilized with purpose; the sculptures gradating from copper, through bronze or red brass, yellow brass, and finally to aluminum and steel. The title of each piece is dictated by a key I created, and each digit within the brackets refers to physical characteristics: [size, form, arrangement of elements, order of metals used].

Kathleen Studebaker is a multi-media sculptor focusing on wood, metal, cast plastic and a variety of other materials. She is a fabricator and all-around tinkerer, and has developed a broad knowledge-base of material processes through her work in many different shops (from all-glass furniture and elaborate corporate trophies, to traditional wood working and academia). She has a great love of detailed fabrication and problem-solving, and makes every element of each of her works by hand (no CNC machines, lasers, etc). Her work often references the far-flung future, or perhaps alternate realities, and is inspired by astronomy, narrative fantasy, and the intersection of digital technology with mechanical function. She earned her MFA in sculpture from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL in 2013, and is currently working as a studio artist based in Philadelphia, PA. To learn more about Kathleen and her work, visit her website at www.KathleenStudebaker.com, or follow her Instagram @KathleenStudebaker_art.