Artist Spotlight: Aaron Cave

Artist Statement:

My work, on the whole, is the embodiment of the harsh realities of my beliefs and upbringing. The work is everything opposite of weakness, but yet demonstrates a humble approach. Through my work, I will hold fast to southern hospitality. I recognize and represent the beauty in simple people, who may not look physically beautiful, the common redneck, and hillbilly. I also recognize and represent my servanthood to my God, Jesus Christ. By means of my work, I portray the life of a zealous Christ follower as being far from easy, having to be comfortable with dirty calloused hands from responsibility. Both of these aspects of my work are masked by an assumed ignorance. I will bring forth their simple messages, along with the wisdom they provide for the progression of humanity.

Interview:

1. Describe the most interesting experience you've had on a flight.

I flew Delta Airlines when I was around 10 or 11 years old. I had a window seat. Because of this flight, I have never been afraid of flying. Looking out the small porthole, I witnessed how small everything was. Even at my younger age, I felt simple looking at the earth traveling by from God's perspective. How can the people that actually notice the ground and sea below them in this high altitude perspective deny God exists?

2. Describe how travel affects your art.

Without travel my art would not exist. With most of my art being scraps and parts from vehicles, my art is owed almost fully to transportation. Without the collision and accidental sect of transportation, my media - the very material of my work - is cut off. The media that I use is greatly marketed by travel. Tow trucks, flatbed trailers, and pickups carry potential artwork to scrap yards, where I then travel to. Without this import and export principle of travel, I cannot even pick up my material. In essence, travel is one of the most vital aspects of my work.

3. Which has a greater impact on society, art, or NASA? Why?

NASA gives us information, tools of knowledge, and technology. NASA has integrated itself into our society from celestial travel to satellite television. Even though NASA contributes to society, it is not vital to society. Art is a vital section of the survival of society. Art induces emotion, provokes thought, and provides possibility. Art is the untouchable. NASA can only reach a certain distance away from an earthly home. Art has no limits or boundaries. Art is society's hope, the faith of reaching beyond human grips. Without the hope and faith art gives, society loses its drive to struggle for existence. Art provides an avenue of individuality as well as common ground for individuals to co-exist. Art brings the perfect amount of separation, yet dealing the perfect amount of corporation. Art is a balance of society.