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Artist information:
Nathaniel Mabie
Grand Rapids, MI
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Nathaniel Mabie is showing at:
Blue Bridge Blue Bridge
Bridge between Fulton and Pearl
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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Nathaniel Mabie
Artist bio: I have been showing work in the Grand Rapids area for over 6 years, participating in group shows as well as solo exhibitions.

In June alone, I participated in 5 exhibitions, regionally and locally.

My work has been purchased by local collectors and most recently I was honored with the West Michigan Regional Scholarship to Ox-Bow from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

My work focuses on man's interplay with nature, kinetic movement, and the forces of nature that act on creation. Over the last few years my pieces have grown in size and human interaction and spacial relationships have become increasingly important.
Artist statement: Humans like birds fall into social structures and are forced to communicate and live together. Hierarchies exist, and often the biggest and loudest get the group to fall in line.

It takes a force to drive the actions that result in loud noises, that draw attention and following. The ones who hear it are drawn to see it.

Then, some, figure that this is what they came to see, and would like to see more. Such a noise must be driven by something big.

Born of the same shape, understanding the hierarchy becomes the means to make the noise.
About the work:
Title: Follow the Leader

Art form: 3-D

Medium: Cement, steel, found objects

Year created: Work not created yet

Description of work: (See attached photos) The first bird in the group will stand 6feet tall and be a 4x4 cube atop 2foot steel legs. This bird will house a noise maker that is turned by the crank coming out of the side of left side of the bird.

There will be 8 birds that follow behind the big bird. They will vary in size, measuring between 15 inches to 2 1/2 foot tall.

The attached photos are a maquette of the finished product.

The total space ground space covered will be 20 feet long, 5 feet wide and 6 foot tall at the highest point.

Audience members will be able to interact with the piece by turning the crank on the 6 foot bird. It will create a loud noise.

This piece will be best suited for an outdoor location or a very large lobby.

Work statement: My past works have explored the shapes, concepts and chracteristics embodied in this piece. I have been working with the same thematic representation for about a year and have received local recognition for my sculptures.

I will be spending one week at Ox-Bow's metal shop (Run by the School of the Art Institute of Chicago) fabricating the metal work for the interior frame work of the sculpture.

Once I have found a location for my interactive sculpture it will take approximately 3 weeks to complete and will be installed over a series of days.
Technical details:
Work width: 60 inches
Work height: 72 inches
Work depth: 240 inches
Required venue ceiling: 60 inches
Required venue door height: 60 inches
Required venue door width: 36 inches
Required wall linear footage: n/a
Required venue square footage: 90 sq. ft.
Additional considerations:
Audio/video needed: No
Electrical needed: No
Lighting needed: Yes
Internet access needed: No
Ground floor access needed: Yes
Indoor space needed: No
Outdoor space needed: Yes
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