We’re super excited to show Nathan Cordero’s work at Bows!
Nathan never went to art school, but he’s been showing his distinctive work since 1998. After his extremely well received show at UC Davis’ Nelson gallery this year, titled “Are You Destined To Become Your Mother?”, he’s been getting more and more public attention. Nathan uses primarily found wood or other organic materials and text cutouts to create his pieces, which range from curious to humorous to unsettling and disturbing.
Magnolia Leaf Cutouts
One of his installations
We asked Nathan some questions:
Sum up your work as an artist in one sentence.
ahhh finally no work. I love finding wood with potential.
Wood and words seem to be consistent themes in your work. What’s the relationship between natural elements and text for you?
Wood, leaves, cigarette butts, tape, paint all are readily available. Text is always around for all of us, the most intriguing is written by strangers, such as shopping lists or fashion magazine headlines. Found a cool shopping list yesterday written by someone for someone with a big I LOVE YOU at the end. Nice!
Are there any significant experiences in your life that have found their way into your art?
Cigarette smoking and male enhancement drugs.
Some people exercise to work through stress, some people meditate, some get out in nature, others make art. What methods do you employ to deal with the stresses of life?
Fishing! Bass Fishing. I love it!!
You have to cancel your weekend plans because of alien invasion. What do you do instead?
Go Fishing! What else is there?
What is the best meal you’ve ever had?
Dinner with a friend’s family I had never met before.
If you woke up tomorrow in an alternate dimension what do you imagine the “art” would be like?
Super minimalist. Cigarette Smoke captured in glass box, selling at Sothebys for millions.
Nathan installing his "Flock of Razor Blades"
For “All-Purpose Filler”, Nathan takes his work in a three-dimensional direction to create towering “lego-like” sculptures out of his signature wooden materials. The opening reception will take place on November 4th from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, and the works will be on display through December 1st. We hope to see you there!
