VK: What did you focus on there?
AO: I focused on finishing work for a show this summer in Atlanta that addresses issues of individual choice within a framework of global consumption. I made paintings, sculptures, and a photograph—all using sugar as a medium—that explore how our desire for sugar shapes our world. VK: You also just got an NEA grant for something you have been putting together with Centennial Park that involves health issues?
AO: Yes! The show is called FLEX IT! My Body My Temple. It’s an exhibition of work about obesity prevention that will be shown both at the Parthenon Museum and Centennial Park. FLEX IT! co-curator Susan Shockley and I have chosen eleven socially engaged artists to participate. I am one of them. The artists are traveling to Nashville to work with the community this summer and fall. The show will run September 1 through January 10. I’m not only interested in showing in galleries and museums; I’m also interested in making and finding thought-provoking art in unexpected places. The show hinged on the Oregon-based artist Harrell Fletcher. I had always known about him, but it wasn’t until I saw him speak at Watkins College that I realized what grace he has. I try to work with artists who have it.
Shelter, Steel, nylon, mirror, people, 7’ x 13’ x 3’
VK: Tell me about the artist residency you just returned from.
AO: The Hambidge Center for Arts and Sciences is situated in 600 acres of woods in Rabun Gap, Georgia—perhaps one of the most beautiful places on earth. Up to ten artists are there at any time. Each one gets a cabin to themselves. We gathered each night for a scrumptious dinner. The place is magical. The Enhancer, Aluminum, 9” x 9” x 1/6”
VK: By “grace” you mean they have a certain comfort in what they are doing and are able to execute it confidently . . .
AO: And a certain humility and thoughtfulness—qualities I realized Harrell has as I listened to his talk at Watkins. I asked him that night if he would consider being part of the show. VK: What’s your specific contribution going to be like?
For My Neighbor, Video Installation
AO: I’m making a large-scale video installation similar to what I just showed at the Nashville Airport. For FLEX IT! I’m making a work called Meetup. I’ll be inviting the community to participate in a variety of events, from bread making to drum circles, to dinners and games. I’ll video portions of the events for the installation.
88 | July 2014 NashvilleArts.com