Sep 11, 2017
In today’s podcast we’ll be talking with James Akers a Neon
Sculptor and self-proclaimed Waver and Hacker Artist.
James is an artist, educator, and mad scientist who has a explosive
approach to making. Graduating from Alfred University with a BFA in
2015, he is constantly thriving for change, and fascinated by waves
of all kinds: sound, light, electricity, he is synthesizing a new
mindset: The “Hacker Artist.” James Akers has shown his work
internationally, been the recipient of public art commissions and
has received numerous awards and grants for his practice. Up until
his recent move to Arlington, Texas with his lady Ali Feeney who is
pursuing her MFA at UTA, he was teaching neon at the Chrysler
Museum of Art, and head processor at Riehl Deal Neon. Currently,
pursuing new work and new possibilities in Neon and Plasma. Known
for packaging ideas on art and life by creating a series of highly
exhibitable electric sculptures.
We’ll look into his transition from ceramics, to glass, and by
extension Neon, his unique approach to using neon tube bending with
found objects and video installations, and defining what a waver
and hacker artist is.
Image: Emoticon Hieroglyphs by James Akers', who will be one of our future guest on the podcast.
Intro Music: Boost by Jakim Karud
www.joakimkarud.com
https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud
Outro Music: Re-Entry by Lapse
https://soundcloud.com/lapse
Check www.taminglightning.net for the full post!
Thank You for listening to the Taming Lightning Podcast. We have
many more guest to come, with future guests returning to expand on
questions, practices, and a variety of subjects. I’d like to thank
Pittsburgh Glass Center for supporting me as well as encouraging me
to pursue this project, and The Plasma Art Alliance, whom many of
my guests are connected through. Keep an eye out for next summer’s
classes at Pittsburgh Glass Center as we work to provide a space
for learning neon and plasma. Also, I’d like to thank James for
taking the time to be a guest on the podcast, especially in the
midst of his travels, and seltting in at Arlington, Texax. I wish
him the best in his job search, and excited for what he makes
next!
Feel free to send your questions to this email, share, and
comment!
Thank you,
Percy Echols II
Sorcerer Apprentice ⚡