Don’t Live Life in the Doorway
6’ 9” x 3’ 5” x 7’ 3”
Cast iron, steel
2018
2018 Hot Metal Artist
Artist Statement
In my current studio practice, I create in an attempt to cope with my own mental illness. As a long time sufferer of depression, mania, and anxiety disorders my personal life has been dictated largely by my ability to subvert the mental anguish. I have grown used to these illnesses, having accepted them as part of my every day. Using the times when I am suffering from a depressive bout that leaves me trapped in my bed. Or when a manic episode comes on and I know I won’t be able to sleep for three days. And the anxiety attacks that lead to me fleeing large social gatherings. Or any number of similar situations that ebb and flow through my life, I am able to view myself, and record the often cringe worthy versions I see. Through these mental cues gestures and poses are assigned, allowing me to create the figures and give physical shape to my mental anguish. The human form is a strong object within the psyche. It represents me, you, us, anyone, and everyone. These figures are stand-ins for me, but many people have similar tales to tell.
The studio has always been a place where I go to keep myself active during my worst times. Metal fabrication is a cathartic activity for me, as it offers a task that keeps me physically distracted from my problems. This is reflective of my blue- collar heritage. Within working class society, particularly the fields of manual and industrial labor, mental illness is not afforded any sympathy and we are taught to simply work harder and ignore the pain. This has been my learned mentality. Through the skills and techniques of industrial craft and a shared ability to read body language in the human form, I attempt to create objects that speak for me.
By exposing the vulnerability of mental illness in materials often associated with strength and permanence such as steel, iron, and wood, the seriousness and permanence of these illnesses is made clear.
Kevin Vanek
Born: Cleveland, OH, USA, 1987
Resides: Hattiesburg, MS, USA
Education
MFA, East Carolina University, 2013
BFA, Bowling Green State University, 2010