David W. Van Ness: Out of the Corner

David w. van ness: out of the corner

June 29- August 3, 2024

Press Release

Interdisciplinary artist David Van Ness honestly and compassionately confronts the intricacies of mental health, creating a safe space that reminds viewers they are not alone in his latest exhibition, "Out of the Corner." Collaborating with his computer, Van Ness manipulates code to create sculptures that are distorted and glitched, showcasing his innovative approach to art. “Out of the Corner" not only pushes the boundaries of contemporary art but also catalyzes meaningful conversations surrounding mental health. The isolation and uncertainty of the pandemic prompted Van Ness to introspect on issues surrounding copyright and controversial topics he was exploring pre-pandemic, causing a halt in his creativity. However, this allowed for new thought-provoking work. Van Ness invites viewers to confront stigmas, challenge preconceptions, and foster empathy and understanding for those struggling with mental health issues. In response to the profound challenges of the 2020 pandemic, Van Ness has crafted a series of striking 3D sculptures that offer a glimpse into the complexities of the human psyche. Each piece serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of healthy coping mechanisms and the power of artistic expression in confronting mental health challenges.

About the Artist

David Van Ness was born and raised in Dallas, TX, and has been creating art for as long as he can remember. He earned his MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 2013. Since then, he has held various jobs, eventually leading him to teach at Northern Arizona University.
David has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions on 3D printing, including being an inaugural artist at the 3D Printshow in London. In 2001, he created the original Stacking Cow, a concept for a mass-produced animal designed for easier shipping and consumption. The first model was handmade using a toy cow and two-part urethane. In 2005, when a New York gallery requested 500 stacking cows, David collaborated with a Dallas-based medical design and 3D printing company. This experience sparked his fascination with the relationship between material and subject in 3D printing. He began exploring whether the physical print or the data file constituted the actual art and pondered the inherent aesthetic of 3D modeling.

In 2011, David accepted the role of Coordinator of Foundations at the School of Art + Design at Northern Arizona University. Shortly after moving to Flagstaff, he met Stephanie O’Sullivan, and they married in 2015 in San Diego. David continued his exploration of 3D printing, delving into biological 3D printing with works like "The Biological Self-Portrait," which combined social media data, biometric data, and genetic information into a 3D model that was printed and coated in stem cells. This project aimed to develop a new form of portraiture not based on the visual. The pandemic in 2020 triggered a severe mental health crisis for David, driving his work in a new direction. With the help of new medication, TMS therapy, and ketamine therapy, he emerged in a better state of mind. David is now an Assistant Professor of Art and the Founder of the New Media Art program at Northern Arizona University. He lives and works in Flagstaff, AZ, and, despite living only 20 miles from the Grand Canyon, it took him three years after moving to Flagstaff to visit the canyon.

ARTIST Statement

For several years, my work explored the idea that all matter would eventually become malleable, placing humanity in control of the design and function of everything, including life itself. I drew inspiration from Jack Womack’s Elvissey, where mothers would use chemicals and radiation to create sculptures they would "birth." My modernist training initially made it challenging to comprehend the true nature of this art form.
This body of work emerged after a severe mental health crisis abruptly halted my practice. Throughout 2020, I was in a constant state of panic, fearing that issues surrounding copyright and the controversial topics I was exploring just before the COVID pandemic had invalidated my practice. This crisis stemmed from two primary causes: the pandemic itself, which shattered my belief that I could thrive in isolation, and longstanding mental health issues that I had not addressed adequately or seriously.Ultimately, this ordeal made me acutely aware of what I needed to do to improve my mental health, and I emerged stronger and more self-aware. Using my diverse skills in sculpture, programming, electronics, 3D modeling, and other technical disciplines, I aim to illuminate mental health and share my journey.
I hope this work makes you feel seen and reminds you that you are not alone. You are always welcome to reach out to me if needed.

show statement

“Out of the Corner” delves into the artist’s profound journey through mental health challenges, especially following a significant bout of depression. In 2020, after watching a YouTube video by “Legal Eagle” about a copyright dispute involving another YouTuber, MXR, the artist was triggered by concerns over his use of 3D scans and models from various sources. This anxiety was particularly acute regarding his piece "Monuments of Hate, Lee Circle,” which utilized a 3D scan from researchers in Louisiana, and fears of backlash from hate groups further compounded his distress.
The ensuing mental health crisis led to serious ideation and hitting rock bottom. However, thanks to a new diagnosis, medication, and treatments, David has rebuilt his life and now enjoys the best mental health he has ever experienced. This newfound clarity allows him to reflect on his past and understand his previous struggles. The exhibition aims to explore David's mental health journey, offering a safe space for the audience to engage in conversations about mental health and to know they are not alone.