Anatomy of Autonomy

Previous Something New Art Piece (No Longer Installed)

“The Anatomy of Autonomy is 6 feet tall and approximately 150 pounds. The piece is constructed with a 1/2 segmented kiln dried tree on each side. The tree form is bolted together through a 2 inch Russian Birch plywood panel. The tree form extends past the past the rectangular panel and is reconstructed with wood and outdoor filler to completed the shape. This piece is attached with bolts to a 2 foot by 3 foot steel base with 2 steel rods that extend into to the piece. The sculpture is placed over of the base and secured to two steel poles which fit into two corresponding holes inside the piece. The piece is then invisibly bolted in place. The entire form was then coated in 3 layers of outdoor primer prior to painting. Many layers of acrylic paint were applied to create a seamless color gradient before painting the imagery on the piece. Once the imagery was complete the entire piece was finished with 4 layers of TSW anti-graffiti coating. The panel imagery is enveloped in a honey-yellow gradient. Each side has the image of a single tree. One side with butterflies and green buds heralding beginnings and the other side releasing experiences with floating ruby leaves. The paintings share one full moon that drapes over both sides of the circle.”

Statement:

“My work is dimensional, luminous, and appropriate for all ages. I create gallery paintings, freestanding sculpture and public works of art. I am working with botanical themes in Portland, Oregon. Three dimensional elements, live edges, and branches that extend the frame are seamlessly incorporated into my work. The inclusion of natural objects has connected me to a hidden fellowship of ramblers, enthusiasts and collectors of nature ephemera. Considering the language of trees and the natural world as my subject matter has offered me intrinsic opportunities to explore growth, change, and impermanence. Transition, flexibility, adaptivity, regeneration and integration inform my art making process and my body of work. My current outdoor work joins kiln-dried, live edge tree parts to serene, gradient, color-rich panels. Organic and free forms of nature join a carefully contemplated structural integrity where points of connection have been engineered to completely disappear. I have a comprehensive understanding of building, materials and finishes and all public pieces are constructed and finished with intention. Working with wood, aluminum, steel and concrete my work is designed for outdoor display. My public works are durable, bold, aesthetic and eye-catching. I experience public art as a naturally inclusive, inherently generous celebration of our human experience. I currently have pieces installed in Oregon, Washington, Nevada and California. I focus on a clean simplicity with sharpened intention, and a demand for balance. My deep appreciation for nature paired with my practiced and creative execution speak a visual language that is inherently inclusive, as the experience of nature crosses cultural, economic and social divides”

– Jennifer Kapnek

“Anatomy of Autonomy” is available for sale: $10,000.00