Josh Sands
Open Spaces, 2022
Oil and acrylic on canvas with metal sign, faucet and wood, 52 x 40 x 1 in
-1750
On display at the Downtown Eugene Public Library
Artist Bio
Josh Sands is a contemporary artist interested in science, nature, history and anthropology. The work focuses on incorporating material culture, mixed media and installations to tell the stories centered around social inquiry and cultural advocacy.
Sands is the recent recipient of a JSMA Black Lives Matter Grant, an active member of Eugene Contemporary Art (ECA), a collaborator of numerous projects with the city of Eugene's Cultural Services department, a member of the City of Eugene's Percent for Art Committee and an artist/project manager for the Whiteaker Community Art Team (DubCAT).
Artist Statement
"Clean air, clean water, open spaces - these should once again be the birthright of every American." - Richard Nixon
This piece uses Americana as its backbone, and hints at a future where water is a scarce resource. Consequently, we might realize how we have taken for granted access to clean water.
If one were listening closely to Richard Nixon at the time of his presidency, you might feel that clean water is our nation's providence and nothing could ever change that fact. Yet, here we are striving forward, left to ponder our fragile ecosystems and hope that we as a nation can live on.
Similar works I have made in the past used to have water: finely crafted glass made to look like water that is. After we moved and I was in the process of building a new shop I was not making glass for new pieces. After a while it occurred to me, given the current state of our environment, they probably shouldn't have water anyway.
For more information visit joshsands.com or instagram.com/spinladen
