Brian McCormack, Artist of the Month: "Re-Strung"
/
Gallery on Main's Artist of the Month series features an exhibition of a reception celebrating a retrospective exhibition in memory of artist Brian McCormack, who passed away suddenly on March 9 of this year. Entitled Re-Strung, it features guitar sculptures uniquely and creatively made from repurposed found objects, which are also playable as musical instruments.
Join us for the opening reception on Saturday, August 3, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm.
Artist’s Statement
“Upon seeing a lecture by an artist who did architectural sculptures which one of her pieces had a floatation device, I asked the question whether one could actually use it to float in. Her answer was that it was purely conceptual and not functional. I came away with the notion that why can’t sculptures like this actually be functional. Being a musician, I came upon the notion of instruments that could be a sculptural statement on a wall and the owner could surprise their guests by holding a short concert. …(Since) I began my quest with my first guitar, … I have had to become a luthier because shaping necks, adding frets, making these ‘instruments’ reasonably playable and tune-able requires some skill. My main thrust is to have my ‘sculptures’ be fun and make a statement like a pun or a political message.”
About the Artist
Brian J. McCormack was born January 22, 1953 in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, but spent most of his life in New Jersey. He grew up in West Milford Township, NJ and upon reaching his 18th birthday moved to Montclair, NJ. It was while living there, from 1971 to 1974, that he attended Newark School of Fine and Industrial Art under the instruction of noted illustrator Charles Waterhouse and watercolor artist Joe Rossi. Later, while at Montclair State University, he became interested in abstract expressionism and ready-mades. He also met William Pope L, who influenced his interest in avante garde and performance art, and with whom he formed a post-punk new wave band known as Jon Waine. For Brian, it was a very experimental time and he even participated in several art performances, including one called “Action 69” with artist Hermann Nitsch. In order to continue to exist as an artist, Brian needed financial support and had to “work for a living.” However, in retrospect, some of the jobs he acquired, such as advertising art director, printing press operator, and model maker-designer at Macy’s Parade Studio were actually essential in his future development as an artist.