AstroObjects - Kathleen Studebaker

Sometimes the pieces I create tell a story, more often they exist inside the context of one. I
make objects that belong somewhere else, and have a story of their own. I consume narrative
fantasy voraciously and have always been fascinated by the idea of a post-paradigm shift
future, and what it may hold. I am also interested in (amateur) astronomy; our seemingly infinite
universe and all its mysteries. Learning about the life-cycle of stars, or looking at the incredible
new images produced by orbiting satellites, reminds me of how small I am: how narrow my view,
how finite my nature. I know that I can’t hope to ever truly understand my place in the wider
scheme of things. This fact might seem frightening or disheartening, but I use it as inspiration.
There are infinite possible stories out there, and as much as I am able, I will use my time here to
consume and create as many of them as I can.
The AstroObjects are fantastical gadgets inspired by the building blocks of the universe: from
atomic structure to solar systems. Recalling the polished brass complexity of antique
astrological instruments, they are machines of unknown purpose. I’ve always been visually and
conceptually drawn to the mechanical, and fell in love with gears as powerful symbols of
purpose and potential. Every element of each sculpture is made entirely by hand (there are no
found objects in this work) using bandsaws, sanders, Dremel tools and flex-shafts, hand-held
saws, hand files and sandpaper, and many other tools as needed. The natural color of each
type of metal is utilized with purpose; the sculptures gradating from copper, through bronze or
red brass, yellow brass, and finally to aluminum and steel. The titles are dictated by a key I
created, and each digit within the brackets refers to physical characteristics: [size, form,
arrangement of elements, order of metals used]