Duck House for Cheez-Its (# of 5)

6’’ x 7’’ x 5’’ with a set of 18 cast aluminum cheez-its: 0.5’’ x 1.25’’ x 1.25’’

cast aluminum, wood, cardboard, animation

2020

2020 Emerging Artist

Artist Statement

Audience participation shifts attention from creator to object. As a sculptor, the interactions I have with my pieces are over-informed; I already know the mechanics of how they work. Unbiased viewers, however, interact with these objects in fresh ways. Part of the excitement of my work is watching viewers try to unravel how–or even if–these sculptures actually function. 

People observe unspoken rules when they step into a gallery. Be quiet and look around pensively. Don’t touch anything. Under these conditions, it can be difficult to engage an audience’s curiosity. Fortunately, an outdoor public park offers more openness to interaction. Even this environment, however, is not free from preconceived notions on how one should view Art. In the realm of monumental sculpture, for example, I find it deeply hilarious to create and present objects which are smaller than a slice of bread. Bending the “rules” of art viewing enriches controlled environments with spontaneous interaction.

Tucked away between monumental sculptures, each individual piece of Duck House for Cheez-Its exists to spur viewers on to additional physical and online components. The project as a whole is a series of far too laborious musings on snack foods, waterfowl, and the concept of home. Keep an eye out for the 5 duck houses hidden around Franconia! 

Michaela Leib

Born: Kennewick, Washington, USA, 1998

Resides: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA 

Education

University of Tennessee Knoxville, BFA, 2020