I drown in petroleum distillates.

Parasite container (open), originally uploaded by printtroll.

I made this box years ago but the idea of making objects with the intention of putting them in a “specimen” box is still of great interest. This piece was also the first object I made that required viewers to interact with a piece. It is designed and built in a sturdy fashion to encourage viewers to touch it. Precious art has lines painted in front of it or red rope surrounding its perimeter. This object, along with most of the art I make, should be touched and if it breaks I can fix it. The breaking and fixing only adds to its history and character.

We as artists must drive the aesthetics of art not the galleries or critics. We create and put ourselves on the line when we show. Don’t feel as though you must follow the established way rather push the boundries and force the world to come into line with you.