(Image: Alexis Arnold, San Francisco Magazine, magazine, Borax crystals, 7'' x 5'' x 3'', 2011; © Alexis Arnold)

Alexis Arnold (b. Los Angeles, CA)

I am a sculptor and installation artist interested in the visual displays of decay and growth, as well as time and history as physical entities. Objects, whether undisturbed for long periods, in frequent use, or victims fallen to incidents such as fire or flood, have their own life cycles of accumulation and decomposition. I create these changes over abbreviated time frames through catalyzed natural processes, such as crystal growth or forced oxidation, in an effort to see the objects in a new way, with a new history. In addition to a range of casting materials, my work often includes found objects (bones, books, bicycle wheels, kitchen paraphernalia, crab shells, etc) with crystals grown on them. The crystal growth highlights or creates the aesthetics of these once-utilitarian objects that are entering the world of obsolescence, as well as acts to suggest past narratives and post-human futures laden with nostalgia, wonder, and the interminable progression of time. Display of my work takes on many forms, including wall hangings, ceiling suspensions, and freestanding sculpture.

Education: MFA in Sculpture, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, CA, 2008-2010. Post-Baccalaureate in Fine Arts, Sculpture, San Francisco Art Institute, San Francisco, CA, 2007-2008. International Art Workshop, Metafora Centre d'Estudis de Arte i Arterapia, Barcelona, Spain, 2007. BA in Studio Art, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH, Graduated with Distinction, 2005. Manukau School of Visual Arts, University of Auckland, New Zealand, 2004.

Alexis Arnold was chosen as a Winner in Round #2 of the Showcase Series.

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