Art: Objects Speak to Me

Media Release
Date: 23 August 2011
Subject: Art, Design, Living

Objects Speak to Me

New Zealand functional art creator Billie Jordan says physical objects she uses in her mixed-media work communicate to her.

“Objects always have something to say – but often when collated with other objects they say it louder and clearer than they ever could on their own. Most of the objects I come across in junk shops haven’t done with the enjoyment of life yet – so I give them a second chance,” says Billie.

Billie Jordan creates original works of art from new and recycled materials. She brings together a variety of unrelated objects to produce a new design piece that is both intriguing and functional.

“My approach to my work is definitely democratic and I love to give the little guys more of a say and a presence in the finished piece. Although it would be simpler to start from scratch than trying to incorporate a recycled object into a new design piece, I enjoy the process of taking an object to another place and away from its old life. It’s not about restoring a lost unity – it’s about creating a new unity in the physical world that wasn’t there before.

“Although I admire brand-new designer furniture, there’s a level of mediocrity in it which I just can’t get away from; basically because it’s machine-made and the creator has been completely refined out of existence during the electronic production process - leaving it somewhat soulless.

“I love working with different types of plastic and tend to keep away from materials and designs that attempt to imitate nature – as no-one can successfully copy perfection. I like to make an interpretation of the real, which is really just about seeking truth rather than reality; there is a difference.

“Mixed-media is an international language that the blind can experience and see. It also provides a level of animation often not seen in the fine arts,” says Billie.

Billie Jordan was born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1969. She currently resides in the Manawatu. Her work is non-conformist and often humorous; exploring the re-use and relationship of objects originally produced for completely different purposes. Her work can be viewed at wwwbilliekjordan.com.

ENDS

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