We’ve asked FWMoA staff the hardest question you can ask art museum people: so, what is your favorite artwork currently on display? As “art museum people”, we often get asked about our favorite artists, artworks, and the art we choose to hang on our own walls. Since not all of our staff are front-end, and not all of them write for the blog, this series gives everyone a chance to get to know them, too. Taking advantage of our rotating exhibitions of artworks, from painted portraits to sculpted bronzes, FWMoA staff from all departments are choosing artworks that enthrall and enchant them; or, in other words, playing favorites.
Coming into her 3rd year as Education Assistant, Naomi spends the majority of her time in the galleries facilitating school tours. Constantly interacting with new groups of students, their insights encourage her to appreciate our permanent collection displays in new ways.
Her current favorite? A functional yet playful Dan Dailey glass sculpture that lights up the room!
Q: What is the first thing you noticed about this artwork? What drew you to this particular piece?
A: I enjoy the playful nature of this piece. Is it a person? A robot? I am not sure. It seems like it is doing a good job, even though I am not sure what that job is. The pose makes me think it is guarding something, trying to look big and strong; but, as you look closer, you realize that it’s a lamp! The headpiece holds a lightbulb. The functional nature of this piece definitely adds to it’s playfulness. Why have a normal lamp when this figure could light up the room!
This is one example of Dan Dailey’s Illuminated series, a combination of functional and fine art lighting. All works include a real life element, such as animals or people. Imagining a home full of these creations would be magical.
Q: Would you hang this artwork in your home? Why or why not?
A: Currently, my small apartment doesn’t have a good spot for this lamp to go (it’s about 4 feet tall!). I could see this being in a library or study in my future home. I think he could both guard and illuminate my books to create a cozy atmosphere.
Q: What does this artwork mean to you?
A: One of my favorite parts of my job is encouraging students to interact with artwork, and a piece like this is a great entry point. I have asked my younger students to try posing like this artwork, and seeing all of their arms and legs posed helps me see their engagement. To continue discussion I ask students to share how they think the figure would walk. Some try walking like it in a pose, while others share in great detail how it would take steps. Personally, I think it would take quick, stiff steps, with it’s steel body I don’t think it has a lot of flexibility!
Q: Why did you choose to work in an art museum?
A: I chose to work in an art museum because I always enjoyed looking at and experiencing art and I want to share that joy with others. Teaching students about how art is all around them enables them to explore their surroundings and become involved in their community.
Q: What has been your favorite exhibition at FWMoA during your employment? What exhibition are you most looking forward to in the next year or two?
A: My favorite exhibition so far was the Liz Quisgard show we had a few year ago, having all her art together created an inviting, colorful world. I am excited about our Rowland Ricketts show we have opening May 18th!
Q: What kind of art (if any) do you have in your home?
A: I have a variety of mediums in my home, from local artists and thrift store finds. My favorite piece is this latchhook landscape I found thrifting. It’s about the size of a window and, in turn, creates a new window in my home.