RECLAIMING THE RENAISSANCE!

featured in ONE EIGHTY MAGAZINE

June 2010

www.180nation.com

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model - joy riddle

photography - carie thompson

hair - kayla ward

makeup - stephen mee

stylist - :::donovanswick:::

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THE SYMPHONY CHAIR

1st concierto

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composed by

:::donovanswick:::

performed by

andrew heneise (woodworks)

rodney cash (metalworks)

http://www.rodneycash.com/

"I GET BY WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS"

You may be wondering, "What in the @#+% is ART-ECO?" Simply put it is a movement in Art and Ecology where, based on their relationship to one another, the two become one flesh. In last month’s feature you were introduced to this concept in the art-form of jewelry made from repurposed objects. Well, that medium only scratches the surface of this unlimited form of expression. I intend to take you on an adventurous journey through the lands of the highest peaks, most glorious shores, serenest valleys, and most mysterious terrains of this art-form. However, for now, let us start here in good ol’ Knoxville, Tennessee!
The objet d’ art featured here tells a story all its own…This first in a series of tables is crafted from 100% recycled materials cultivated from the heart of Downtown Knoxville. If you look closely at the base of this table you should notice that there is what looks like very old floor trusses. You are correct! As a matter of fact this wood was being thrown away during the remodel of the old JFG Factory on West Jackson Avenue in the Old City. I simply asked the foreman if I could haul off the trash for him and save him the extra expense of several trips of full construction site dumpsters. He said, "Certainly!" and Bada Bing, I was halfway home on my design. So, I call my buddy Chris Horton and say, "please get your flatbed down here now, I’ll explain later!" He did. "I get by with a little help from my friends." Unbelievable, because this wood was over 300 years old Heart of Pine cut into solid planks measuring over 3 inches thick, close to 2 feet wide and spanning up to 30 feet long, just being thrown away! I held on to this wood for two years due to its scarcity.
The quest was not complete as I wanted to mix 2 types of wood for this particular design. I was in search of two oversized solid wood doors from the turn of the century to be the icing on the cake (top of the table). Lo and behold as I found help from another friend, Daniel Schuh, who had such doors left over from one of his Historic North Knoxville Homes. Ahhh…now to the drawing board! So next is the design. This is the part I personally enjoy the most. I execute the drawing, call another friend, Terry Martin, and show him the design. He takes over and in a few days we have what you see below. Note that Terry built the piece and also did the faux crocodile finish based on my specifications. I simply love this process and hope you at least appreciate it as well. Just like a symphony…many distinct pieces and players coming together in harmony. ENCORE!

HERE COMES TROUBLE

Once again, my apologies for the delay in a new post, but here we go! I am having my first own ART show this evening that will feature many mediums (furniture, jewelry, scuplture, lighting, publications, poetry, drawings, designs, sketches, videos, accessories, etc.) of artistic expression that I have completed over the last 20 years. I am also doing a Vintage/Reclaimed/Couture Fashion Show which I have embellished Couture Vintage garments with reclaimed fabrics, leathers, patches and the like. I personally have never done my "own" show, simply because I did not feel the need to and because I would rather fly under the radar. However, I have coordinated and participated in countless of such (art/fashion shows) both as a model and an artist/designer for a number of others. I just happened to be re-designing a new Historic Club in Downtown Knoxville (RELIX...Owner Daniel Schuh) when the idea just made sense to open the venue with a showing of all that I have touched over these past 20 years in art.

To me, the most precious and priceless pieces of art in the entire Universe are the relationships I have acquired with clients, strangers, musicians, fashionistas, stylists, family, friends, co-workers, and even the broken lost souls roaming our rugged streets. The ART-ECO pieces that will be shown are a reflection of just that. They are parables of a certain sort, hoping to draw in the interest of someone who can be ministered to by the power of Re-Creation. There will be no prices on my art. Only the open invitation to discuss it. Thank You ALL! Hope U enjoy!

Tribute to

William Kristopher Kendrick "Billy Ray"

and Rebecca Maxwell...

U both saved me from myself while teaching me to be

myself.

Thank U ...May U Both Rest in Perfect Peace

"VINTAGE-EMOTION"

Fashion: the one form of art that seems to drive the bus in the entire industry of aesthetics. On top of that you add the wonders of vintage and you can surmise quickly the influence it has on what we see today. Designers these days are searching through the archives of history to find patterns, fabrics, products and materials that can be reinterpreted and modernized. As a result we are beginning to see new forms of old. Color studies that were ahead of their time way back when are regularly seen on the new products of upholstered goods we have grown to love in our homes of late. Look at how many clothing designers, namely Ralph Lauren, who now have their own furniture collections. It doesn't take long to do the math and see that this equation equals success.

Fashion sets the tone within the music industry. Consider the iconic ensembles adorned by the likes of Elvis, Madonna, Frank Sinatra and even Michael Jackson. Then pay attention to what shows up on the runways, and eventually ends up on your very own sofa. The most wonderful thing, in my opinion, about vintage is the principle of timelessness that it instills. Almost all of art is cyclical. Classics endure. But sometimes, the extraordinary (even the flamboyant) shine out from the crowd and turn your head. Styles evoke emotions. Styles are born from emotions. Emotions are like the wind as they come and go, sometimes barely noticed and other times forces to be reckoned with and subdued by in our lives. Vintage is that "Peaceful Easy Feeling" that we can all hum along with and end up smiling. And as I have covered previously, when used properly it is extremely responsible. So, look in your closet and see just what treasures may be hidden once you look at that garment with "Betty Davis Eyes."

Pictures from the Sanctuary Vintage Fashion Show

THIS IS PERSONAL- SNEAK "PEAK"

Above is a first look at a personal design I have had produced locally as a prototype for my line. It is made exclusively out of reclaimed American hardwoods. I worked with an artisan by the name of Andrew Heneise, originally from Alaska, to bring this beauty from concept to reality. The woods are Wormy White Oak and Black Walnut. The joinery is real and the top of the legs are wrapped with acid etched copper bands. What you see is what you get with this one. It has a story to tell, and if you listen closely you may catch a tune from days gone by coursing through its veins.

Reclaiming materials, or salvaging, is my approach to design for all of my personal pieces. This is another aspect of the name "ART-ECO." If you look at my logo, the "SWICK" one, you may notice a little twist. If you turn the logo upside-down, you shall discover a new way to read the initials that further describes what I do. It becomes "KCIMS". This stands for "Knoxville's Couture Industry of Materials Salvaged." Who knew?