Interview with Janet Goldner

image copyright Janet Goldner 2002

Sorry for the delay, but Pieces was able to interview Janet Goldner and get a more in-depth look at her artwork via an interview.

Janet had originally started as a weaver and used wire mesh for the base of the image. She created several 3-D images, however she moved to steel due to the fluidity of the material as well as its forgiving nature.

Janet was involved in various social movements such as the civil rights movement in the 50s and the 60s anti-war movement. However, it wasn't until she arrived at Antioch College that she found her true home in Mali. She has been going back ever since and in 1994 received a Fulbright Scholarship for her art. Much of her artwork focuses on the culture of Mali and showing Africa from a different perspective. One of hope, beauty and humanity in Africa. Her inspiration include: David Hare, Eva Hesse, David Smith, Lee Bontecou, Louise Bourgeois.

If you would like to see a permanent exhibit, it is located at The Islip Museum on Long Island in East Islip. The featured work was originally public artwork located in the Sara D. Roosevelt Park in Manhattan. Currently, Janet has a studio located in Brooklyn, NY where she creates her art.

Baku Skyscraper in Azerbaijan

Plans for the skyscraper are going through and the skyscraper is to be located on Zira Island. The building will mirror the landscape of the island and each of the peaks creates a residential zone derived from the geography of its corresponding mountain. The buildings will be constructed from steel and each "mountain" will contain facilities for private and public functions. These homes are run off of renewable energy ranging from photovoltaic panels located on the roof as well as wind power harvested from offshore wind farms. Waste and rainwater will be collected, treated and recycled for irrigation. Solid waste will be used as fertilizer. All of this is to make sure that the buildings and inhabitants make the most minimal ecological footprint. More information on the project can be found at skyscrapernews.com
Architecture Firm - Big Architects

Tattooed Steel

Tattooed Steel is a jewelry and accessory store that specializes in creating laser-etched products. All of the designs on the accessories are created by a variety of artists, all of which are extremely intricate and unique. Consumers can purchase bracelets, dogtags and even rings from the company (although these items can be quite pricey). Artists can submit their work to the company by emailing them or posting their artwork on the Tattooed Steel myspace page. The designs are very cool, some of them are reminiscent of graffiti designs while others really maintain the tattoo quality. Perhaps one of the coolest pieces of jewelry you may ever have.

Photo via Racket Magazine

Janet Goldner: Steel Sculpturist in NYC

Janet Goldner is an African-influenced artist that concentrates on metal sculptures. She has had her work at PS122, Islip Museum Permanent Exhibit and at the Arsenal Gallery. Her work weaves art and poetry into one seamless presentation and evokes emotion via the fluidity of her steel and words. She has traveled around West Africa since 1973, most notably as a Fulbright scholar in 1995 working with artisans and contemporary artists. Janet lives in Tribeca and often acts as a lecturer and panel member for the arts. More of her work can be found at: www.janetgoldner.com.

Photo via Biddington's

Steel issue, Finally!

After much confusion and hard work, I've finally put up the steel issue (without the help of the web designer)! Woo! Enjoy yourselves!