Jeff Bell : Night, Day, Night (November 9th – December 2nd)

Description

In this project I will create related work in two different locations at the same time. On November 9-18, I will build one large object at Lump Gallery, in Raleigh, and another at the Greensboro Project Space, in Greensboro. I will begin with deconstructing a piano in each space, which I will use as source material to create the new work. Additionally, each space will be outfitted with a camera and a monitor. The camera in Greensboro will send video in to the monitor in Raleigh and vise-versa. Over the course of the project, I will travel back and forth to work in both locations. Visitors at one location will be able to observe the current status of the construction in both spaces. They will also be able to watch me working, even if I’m at the other location. At the completion of the building portion of the project I will move the object located in Greensboro to Raleigh. Both objects will live together for a period of time and a time lapse video of both locations will be on display.

Statement

When I first proposed this project it was was a way to highlight the relative closeness of the two communities (Greensboro and Raleigh). It was a way to consider art in relation to location and the small pockets of arts scenes spread throughout the state. To create the work, I decided that I would travel back and forth, working as many hours as I am physically able, over the course of the project. Since my proposal, my wife and I have separated and therefore, everything about my life has been turned upside down. I’ve altered the focus to be more about personal closeness / distance, inability to reconcile and the recognition of the point of finality. First and foremost, my work is based on making objects. I’m accustomed to working alone in my studio and, for the most part, removing the personal when talking about my work. I hope to open up both aspects in Night, Day, Night as well as introducing perforative elements as they relate to the completion of the project.