Ready For Flight
Damon Schindler raised in Los
Angeles was born on December 27th, 1972 on an Air Force base in
Sacramento, California. His great grand parents built a modest
home in Alhambra, Located in Eastern Los Angeles while his other
great grandparents resided in Pasadena. Living near the
Huntington Library and Gardens his great grandfather
Emil Luks worked as a commercial photographer and at times
painted with his brother
George Luks of "The Ash Can School"
in New York during the early part of the 20th century.
The
generations to follow would remain just east of the Los Angeles
River. In 1994 Damon pursued his love of art by
studying at the renowned
California Institute of The Arts
(Cal Arts).
After obtaining his bachelor's degree in fine arts in 1997 he
went on to share his knowledge by teaching art at an alternative
high school in Los Angeles.
He has spent 10 summers working
with students selected for the California State Summer School
for the Arts, producing individual film and video projects.
Damon, who now works as the resident scenic artist for the
Los Angeles Opera, Is constantly
expanding the scope of his art and working to present his work
in the public sphere with the help of his father whom assists in
making this website possible with true inspiration and support.
The Paintings:
Since 1991 I have been constantly making paintings that stem
from the Surrealist and Expressionist traditions. In these
canvases a world of lush electric landscapes is revealed while
enchanting characters participate in the ever enduring story of
life. The scenes are vibrant, radiating with color as the
physical world bends and twists breathing life into a host of
characters. The imagery is laid down optimistically or
romantically in allegorical terms while not losing sight of the
fractured structures or jagged edges that lay just beneath the
candy coated surface of modern terrestrial life. The landscapes
take on human and animal traits exposing a relationship between
beings and their environment. In this a glance is shown of the
psychic reality projected on the physical plane of our
travelers. By using lyrical imagery compositions are offered
that broaden and fulfill what we already
or possibly have an inkling or understanding of. Similar to the
constellation of stars that are already there shining for us ,the
paintings simply provide a loosely scripted map where we are
allowed to connect the dots leading us to the hidden treasure of
the imagination.
Wire
Sculpture/Assemblage
While
walking along our city streets or country roads I collect
certain discarded objects that I encounter, usually of an
intimate or small nature. These selected pieces are then put
together to construct a semi figurative composition. The main
aim is to allow the viewer a point of entry that can extend the
possibility of the imagination while referencing the natural
world. The works attempt to transform the mundane into the
magical using previously unwanted materials. A 16mm film "Ground
Fly" is an animation composed of found objects. It is a brief
journey where we accompany our guide through his neighborhood
and its activities. I have been working with found objects since
1994 and have been pleased with the results of making art in a
frugal manner out of what is around me.
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