Damon Boyd — The Learning Curve
A Survey of the Artist’s Work.
Damon Boyd’s journey as an artist takes us to unexpected places. Schooled in the industrial arts of carpentry, stage craft and sign making, Damon brings to his work an appreciation for sturdy structure and beautiful form. But this work is not only about function. Armed with a sense of humor and his own personal analysis of the current events, the artist produces commentary that is both accessible and paradoxical.
These pieces will have different meanings for different viewers. A Nomad Cruiser is a pleasure vehicle to some, but to others it is a statement. There are references contained in the new and recycled parts assembled in this work. What does it say, for example, when you replace a bicycle’s handle bar grip with a Bowie knife handle? What happens when the hubcap loses its car for a strip of neon light? We can read all kinds of things into these pieces. This is part of the artist’s game—to entertain the viewer’s senses and challenge our thinking as only a street savvy individual can.
In playing opposite elements against one another, the artist manipulates function and reconstructs meaning. “What Can Brown Do for You?†takes a corporate advertising slogan and changes up the meaning. Here it is paired with the image of young Linda Brown. The photo, snapped by Linda’s father Oliver, in 1954, shows a child on the verge of history. Oliver’s court case, the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision obliterated a “separate but equal†doctrine of race in the U.S.A. But did it really? Half a century after the fact, Boyd takes us back to 1954 with a very present, unanswered question: “What can Brown do for you?â€
For this survey of over a decade of art work, Damon has selected a title that reminds the viewer that we are witnesses to a progression of turns in an artist’s development. The Learning Curve takes us on a path of ideas, revealing experiments in form and function, method and material. On this road less traveled, Damon invites us to take it all in. Remember to cruise at your own speed.
Michele MartÃnez
September 16, 2005
Venice, California
Nomad Cruiser Bikes
In 2004 Damon created his first custom beach cruiser bicycle, the “Classic Woody,†using a pre-made frame, recycled parts and applying his skills as a fine wood craftsman. The bike was a hit on the boardwalk and Damon was inspired to create more theme-driven bikes. At last year’s Venice Beach Custom Bicycle Show, Damon’s “Classic Woodyâ€, “Penny Farthing†and “Four Wheeler†bikes won awards in the custom, vintage custom and super custom categories. Damon’s entire set of Nomad Cruiser© bikes won Best of Show at the First Annual Venice Custom Bicycle Show.
Emancipation Art
In 2002, Damon and a group of artists formed the Conscious Collective, operating out of Jefferson Park Studios and Lombardo Studios, in Culver City. Damon’s collective organized art and performance events around themes of culture and social issues. The House of Woes, Shotgun House, Brown and other pieces part of the artist’s conceptual work shown at events that included music, drama, street poetry and art.
Fine Woodwork
Damon learned the art of woodwork in his father’s shop. As a teenager he worked with Lawrence Boyd, and later studied woodwork and industrial arts at various colleges. These pieces are often inspired by African American quilts and other objects not normally associated with wood.
Neon Assemblage
Damon began experimenting with neon while working as a prop designer. He developed friendships with masters of sign craft, like the crew at Quality Neon, who continue to support his explorations. By installing neon in unexpected objects Damon plays with the language of popular culture. From hubcaps to musical instruments and now bicycles, Damon’s philosophy is anything goes.
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