Inside the Artist's Studio: Stories of Innovation and Discovery

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The Art of Duality: Weston Lambert’s Exploration of Material and Meaning

One ordinary day, while I was swiping through the usual mix of dances and pranks on TikTok, something extraordinary grabbed my attention. It was a video of Weston Lambert, deeply engrossed in his work, transforming glass and stone into phenomenal sculptural pieces.

Weston’s sculptures strike you with their elegant fluidity right off the bat. Each piece is a meticulous fusion of organic shapes and carefully chosen materials: glass and stone. The sophisticated blend of these materials creates a mesmerizing interplay of transparency and opacity. As light filters through the translucent glass, it contrasts dramatically with the rugged stone, underscoring the profound duality at the heart of his work.

The final stage of Weston's process is particularly captivating—the careful filing and polishing of the fused materials to unveil the sculpture beneath. This isn’t just a physical task; it’s a contemplative practice that peels back layers to reveal stories of balance, contrast, and the eternal versus the ephemeral.

Weston’s pieces are dynamic expressions of time and existence. The rough texture of stone juxtaposed against the smooth, reflective surface of glass sparks a visual and tactile dialogue within each work.

I’m lucky to get a firsthand look at how Weston approaches his work during our bi-weekly meetings where we discuss his process and the projected trajectory of his career. During these talks, Weston often explores the theme of duality that permeates his work, navigating the tensions between permanence and transience, and the dynamics of strength against the relentless march of time. In his studio, primal forces like heat and extreme pressure meld glass and stone, symbolizing the juxtaposition of adaptability and steadfastness. This journey even extends to the natural erosion processes that stone undergoes—processes that span millennia, offering us a glimpse into the potential transformation of these materials.

Then, there’s the visual allure of the glass's transparency. The human eye is naturally drawn to how light interacts with surfaces. The translucent portion of the sculpture allows light to pass through while also scattering it due to imperfections within the glass.

In contrast, the stone base, naturally opaque, reflects light without allowing it to pass through. This creates a play of light and shadow that emphasizes the stone’s textured and rugged natural essence.

And yes, they're incredibly shiny too, which adds a layer of aesthetic appeal. Our fascination with shiny objects is deeply rooted in our evolutionary need to find essential resources like water and signs of vitality and freshness in the natural world—think shiny fruits and vegetables.

Weston’s ability to engage on multiple levels—appealing to those who seek an aesthetic experience as well as those who appreciate the depth and meaning behind each piece—truly makes his work stand out. Through it, he connects with his audience, inviting us to explore the complexities of our perceptions.

How to Find Up-and-Coming Artists—I’ll Tell You My Secret

“Where do you find cool artists?” That’s a question I hear all the time. Everyone who’s into art is always on the hunt for new talent. Unearthing these hidden gems takes some real intuition and a bit dedication, but it’s not impossible. Let’s dive into how I do it:

Harness the Power of Social Media

Social media is my treasure trove for discovering artists, particularly Instagram and TikTok! My profiles are packed with saved artists, sorted into rather general categories like “sculptures,” super specific ones like “contemporary female German abstract artists,” and even ludicrous ones like “works by left-handed artists only.” I love these platforms because they're where emerging artists often showcase their work, making it very easy to spot new talent.

Step into the Artists' Physical World

Open studios are a fantastic place to meet artists. These events are common in most communities and usually happen a couple of times a year. This is when artists open their doors to the public. It’s perfect for two reasons: you get to chat directly with artists about their work and see it up close.

Grad shows and end-of-year exhibitions at art schools are also hotspots for spotting upcoming talent.

Direct interactions like these can give you a glimpse into the artist’s creative processes and future ambitions.

Connect with Local Art Scenes

Small galleries are crucial in the early stages of an artist's career. By visiting these spaces, you not only get to see a diverse range of art, but also pick up insights from gallery owners and curators who are always on the lookout for fresh talent. I’m forever asking others how they discover new artists, and my go-to question is if there’s anyone they think I should check out. Getting involved in art walks, local open studios, and seasonal exhibitions can lead you to unexpectedly discover incredible artists.

Engage with the Artist’s Development

Once you’ve identified artists with potential, the next step is to support their growth. Buying their art or simply tracking their development is what I recommend. Supporting an artist not only helps them grow but can also build a meaningful connection that offers insights into their evolution and how they handle the pressures of the art world. If you like an aspiring artist’s work, my advice is: be patient and keep a close watch.

Trust Your Instincts

At the end of the day, while empirical data and expert opinions are super valuable, never underestimate your own response to art. If a piece stirs something in you, take a closer look. Feeling a personal connection to art is crucial.

So, there you have it—finding emerging artists is all about strategic engagement with the art community, trusting your own taste, and committing to support artists’ development. By embracing these approaches, you deepen your own art appreciation and contribute to the vibrant landscape of contemporary art.

Hugh Hayden, “Hughmans”

If you know me, you know I’m all in for shows that leave you pondering way more questions than when you walked in. That’s exactly what hit me at “Hughmans,” Hugh Hayden’s latest exhibition at the Lisson Gallery. Now, this gallery has two spots in New York right next to each other, but it’s art the smaller one where the magic happens—IMHO, more often than not, it's where the really captivating shows unfold.

If you haven’t yet dived into the world of Hugh Hayden, you’re in for a wild ride. This Dallas-born artist, who also happens to be a Cornell-trained architect, has a knack for creating sculptures that'll make you stop and stare—and think, too. From using Christmas tree wood to tossed-out furniture, Hayden delves deep into issues like race, social dynamics, and our interactions with the environment.

Now, about Hughmans—picture this: an installation show where sculptural works are tucked away behind closed doors. The setup? A maze of metal bathroom stalls, each guarding a singular work of art. It’s like a treasure hunt where you're flipping open doors to secrets, not knowing what’s inside each one. The installation rethinks the humble bathroom stall to unravel themes of intimacy, desire, and more, viewing these universal experiences through the lens of collective human encounters. The images accompanying the text are two of the sculptures in the show. You can also take a look at the social media reel I did, which will give you an idea of the IRL experience.

In Hughmans, Hayden stays true to his beloved medium of wood, while also weaving in touches of bronze, resin, and silicone. Among the hidden gems are two wooden Pinocchio sculptures, Ebanocchio and Nocecchio, crafted from ebony and walnut, respectively. These pieces brilliantly toy with themes of transformation and identity—echoing the journey of their fairytale namesake towards becoming 'real.'

I totally loved this show. If you’re around New York and looking for an art experience that’s unlike any other, make sure to drop by.