Art Gallery
[non]functional: Peter Scheidt's Exploration of Chairs and Meaning
Title: [non]functional
Artist: Peter Scheidt
Show Run: Mon, Jan 27 - Fri, March 14
Artist Talk: Tue, Feb 11, 1pm
Exhibit Description:
My current body of work investigates different chair forms. I explore questions of function, non-function, and meaning by manipulating everyday furniture. I often work with objects that have been discarded and am interested in creating an honest dialogue with the original identity of the salvaged item. Furniture sets rules for interaction and use; it can transform a space into a room of purposeful action. I enjoy rewriting the script of these ubiquitous objects and creating a surreal likeness for viewers to pause and reflect on.
As a woodworker, using existing furniture pieces and parts rather than raw material is permission to slow down, use hand tools, and engage traditional techniques. I respect furniture craft tradition but simultaneously challenge myself to work irreverently. My process often involves entirely dismantling a found chair, but I preserve its original history as I rebuild and transform. In the same instant I destroy the original object, I also honor and value it.
Bio
Peter Scheidt’s creative studio work is research and concept-driven yet firmly grounded in the craft of furniture and woodworking. He earned a BA from Brown University in Providence, RI with dual concentrations in Modern Culture and Media and Visual Art before receiving an MFA in Furniture Design and Woodworking from San Diego State University. He has exhibited widely in juried, group and solo exhibition at venues including the Wharton Esherick Museum (PA), Space4Art (CA), SooVAC (MN), St. Louis Artist’s Guild (MO), and Sulfur Studios (GA).
Scheidt lives in Ames, IA where he teaches Wood + Material Studies for the Art and Visual Culture Department in the College of Design at Iowa State University.
The James Wegner Art Gallery provides an educational experience to students and the community by featuring exhibitions from regional, national, and international artists working in a variety of media.
The gallery is located in the Austin East building just to the left of the Frank W. Bridges Theatre lobby. Gallery hours vary each semester. Please call 507-433-0600 for current information.
