Interview with Kyle Farrell

The walls of the studio were bare with two desks in opposite corners. Kyle Farrell is sharing the studio with another student. Kyle is wrapping a cone-shaped paper tube with string.

JA: Now that you are a senior at Mason Gross, how have you arrived at this point, and are you optimistic about your future?

KF: I began Mason Gross as a video artist but switched to sculpture in my sophomore year. Sculpture had a more natural feel and it made more sense to me. At the moment I am worried about my thesis. At the same time, I am cautiously optimistic about my future. I believe that there is still opportunities for artists, as long as they can be sustained by their passion for art. I might have to work in related jobs to make money but art will always be my passion.

JA: How is your thesis project going? What materials are you going to use and what thoughts do you have in building your sculpture?

KF: I am inclined to do "soft" sculptures using materials such as burlap, muslin and possibly wire mesh. Mostly, I am experimenting with small abstract forms. The forms are somewhat related to human anatomy. The intention would be to translate this to larger forms.

JA: Do you find any particular sculpture that you find inspiring or are there artists that you can relate to?



KF: Sculptures that inspire me are subtle and quiet pieces. I have been interested and focused on hidden and buried things. they may be covered by wrapping and tying and binding. The artists that I can relate most to are Eva Hesse and Tim Hawkinson.

JA: What I remember of Eva Hesse, is her works in latex, fiberglass and plastics. She then used cloth covered with cord, electric wires and masonite. Could you comment?

KF: With using these materials, I found most interesting the organic shapes.

JA: Tim Hawkinson is renowned for creating complex sculptural systems. Some of the materials he used in these sculptures were electrical hardware and fabrics. He found inspiration in re-imagining his body. Could you elaborate?

KF: Tim Hawkinson started as a artist assistant. This was a time where he developed a sense of discipline and developed a work ethic necessary for the complete artist. Although my interest in human forms and its abstractions are not directly related to Hawkinson's referencing the body, I can relate to it. One memorable mini-sculpture of Hawkinson was his two inch tall skeleton of a bird made from fingernail parings. Now, Tim Hawkinson is interested and has started to produce photos and videos. I have gone in the opposite direction.