Gina Scott / Winonan
On Jan. 20, Jason Ramey hosted an artist talk, showcasing his exhibition “Medium Resolution” in Winona State University’s Watkins Gallery. During his talk, he explained where he started out, his journey through his work and where he plans to go in the future.
Ramey is originally from a small town in Indiana. He did his undergrad work at the Herron School of Art and Design in Indianapolis and moved on to receive his Master of Fine Arts degree from University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The works showcased in “Medium Resolution” include Ramey’s creations of wood furniture as well as 3D printing. Through these pieces he explores different living spaces inhabited by different people.
“Medium Resolution” was a step into a new direction for Ramey. Within the last year he has been working with 3D printing and exploring a new medium of art. Using a structure sensor laser scanner and a 3D printer, he uses programs like Form Z, Mudbox, Autodesk Fusion 360 and Meshmixer to create his pieces.
“This has shown me that there is a place for this technology in my work,” Ramey said. “While I don’t know exactly where this will lead, it is an exciting time for me as I am constantly learning new programs and processes.”
Ramey’s experimentation with a variety of mediums shows young and aspiring artists at Winona State how exploration in art can improve their work and give it a new feel.
“Since building my 3D printer, I have been on the machine constantly,” Ramey said. “I feel that one can always benefit from doing something they are not completely comfortable with.”
Senior Nica Foltz was intrigued by Ramey’s use of digital mediums.
“He has access to a lot of interesting and different technologies that I don’t think is very common,” Foltz said.
A well-received piece amongst many students at the reception was “Mantel,” a 3D printed work depicting a woman connected to a fireplace mantel by the back of her head.
“It’s just an interesting take on a person and how they can be literally connected to the wall,” junior Jordan McNurlin said.
Ramey’s artist talk showed students and faculty his processes in creating his work and the stories that were held within them. Some of his work seemed to make furniture more functional or convenient, while other pieces showed the story behind the person utilizing that furniture.
“He seems so connected to his pieces,” Foltz said. “There are some artists who just kind of make their work and that’s it. But with Jason, you really see some good connections.”
Watkins Hall’s last visiting artist of the year will be Kathleen Hawkes, featuring her photographic and digital media pieces. It will be displayed upstairs in the Weber Gallery, and the reception and talk will be held Feb. 10.
