Object Design Assignment 4 Writing: Paper Artist Vincent Tomczyk on Colossal
For this week's blog post, I would like to discuss Vincent Tomczyk’s artwork, and why I was compelled by his paper creations.
Vincent Tomczyk’s work consists of detail, detail, and more detail. So much so that looking at his artwork at first glance, one wouldn’t be able to tell the object was created by paper. Tomczyk explains that he, “reconstruct(s) (his artwork) into (his) view of its essential self- free of function,” which really challenges the viewer to view the objects Tomcyzk creates as its own creation rather than a nonchalant daily used item. By really paying attention to these objects' details, one can really grow to appreciate these items that are often taken for granted. One way that Tomczyk is able to achieve this precision is the use of his previous knowledge working by his fathers side in a workshop.
Tomczyk describes that his artwork forces him to be, “part craftsman and part engineer,” that allows him to surpass perceived limitations humans gather from everyday objects. Instead of putting thoughts onto paper, Tomczyk instead forms lists of materials and measurements he might need for his new project. He then turns these ideas into paper; using nylon thread and painting to express the ridiculous amounts of detail. In one of his artworks, Americana, Paper Jeans (2011), Tomczyk creates functioning paper pockets (that woman's fashion desperately needs), that again plays into this illusion that the object is real. Combining all these nit-picky details, Tomczyk took over 100 hours to complete the Americana, Paper Jeans, which requires quite a large attention span and commitment. But it really shows how dedicated Tomczyk is towards his work, and that he obviously cares about how others interpret his carefully crafted paper artwork.
I’m quite the sucker for textures- and Tomczyk uses a LOT of them. The work that I was most intrigued by was, wallet (2011), and its overachieved precise detail within texture to create an illusion of a well-used wallet. I am especially drawn to the cracks within the leather which were created using nylon thread. The idea that you can create something new but can make it look like it has been worn down seems to be a very clever art practice to me. For the artwork feels more personal to the viewers and instantly creates a narrative for the object in question.
I am also quite attracted to the idea that you can create a narrative that people care about out of anything. Another example is an old Ikea commercial that aired in 2007 that made a sob story for a lamp that got replaced- and then after the advertisement you wonder why you just felt sympathetic to an inanimate object (commercial link at the end if interested). By building these connections between everyday objects and humans, it really highlights the nature of humanity in itself and the type of emotions that can be brought to life from these narratives. In Tomczyk’s Wallet, there seems to be a nostalgic emotion being brought forth because of its well-used state. And in the Ikea commercial it was sympathy and betrayal. Using emotion is what attracted me to become an artist in the first place, and I believe that Tomczyk has captured these small narratives quite well.
This information was gathered from these lovely sites:
-Official Site for Vincent Tomczyk - http://www.vincenttomczyk.com/statement/
-Ikea Commercial - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBqhIVyfsRg
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