“Bouy” by Resident Artist Oscar McDonah

In this body of work I am continuing to explore and challenge the concept of function as it relates to industrial materials and tools; specific to these pieces I am exploring such through the materials of Bondo, Easy Sand, and sandpaper discs. These sanding materials have been pulled from the context of production and craftsmanship within the woodshop. Now, rather than serving as a means to an end in cabinetry finishing, they are what compose the ‘final product.’The function of the sand paper discs and Bondo is no longer to enhance the quality of a product separate from itself, but to be highlighted as inherently holding aesthetic value. The intended function of Bondo and Easy Sand is to be used together as a two part hardening compound in automobile and marine cosmetic repairs, then sanded to adhere to the rest of the original form and finally painted. Rather than have the presence of the two part compound hidden, it is highlighted, and rather than use it cosmetically, it is used structurally, while the sandpaper discs are used for visual documentation and aesthetic purposes. The conversation in which these pieces engage in is furthered even still in the environment and means of display which they inhabit. Artist Bio:Oscar McDonah is a Lancaster based Sculpture / Installation artist and has been practicing as a lighting designer for the past five years. Much of McDonah’s installation works approach the reimagining of familiar interior spaces through simplified architecture, exaggerated color, as well as superimposed forms and textures. When focussing on smaller sculptural works, McDonah further seeks to explore concepts which draw from the absurdity which can be created through the juxtaposition of contexts. In an effort to draw from both practices, many of McDonah’s pieces incorporate lighting components.