Erin Cunningham
Elemental Topography, 2007, Cast iron, 64 x 48 x 5”
Describe your artistic style in three words.
Sculptural, Figurative, Topographical
What's inspiring you right now?
My students! I teach 3D foundations and sculpture at UT and we had to quickly switch to online teaching in March. I was so inspired by their resourcefulness and resilience through such a challenging situation. They continued to make really great work in less the ideal circumstance.
What do you do when you're feeling uninspired?
Sometimes I'll revisit books about some of my favorite artists or go see art, visit places like the Blanton. But for the most part I just need to keep my hands busy. I get out my materials and start playing and experimenting in hopes of discovering a new direction.
Tell us something unique about your process.
2800 degrees, that's the approximate temperature at which iron starts to melt. Iron has been a prevalent material in my work for about 15 years now. The casting process is intense, and I fell in love with the alchemy of it, just as much as I did with the material itself. It is also very collaborative, you can't do it safely without a team of people.
What advice do you have for other artists?
Probably the same advice that many have given to me: don't be too hard on yourself, especially in this time. Stay genuine.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I am really excited to be collaborating with fellow ICOSA member Sarah Hirneisen for a show that will be on view at ICOSA from August 21 – September 19. The specifics for viewing opportunities are in the works and yet to be determined.
Elemental Topography (detail), 2007, Cast iron, 64 x 48 x 5”
Knee, 2016, Cast iron, 18 x 12 x 5”
Press Fit, 2016, Bronze, 11 x 8 x 2”
Counterpoised #, 2016, Aluminum, 26 x 10 x 6”
Refinement, 2018, Iron, refined coal, diamond, 17 x 13 x 4”
Refinement (detail), 2018, Iron, refined coal, diamond, 17 x 13 x 4”
Der Teufel steckt im, 2019, Cast iron, 14 x 10 x 3”
of a Delicate Nature, 2015, Cast iron, 21 x 29 x 2”
Elemental Topography, 2007, Cast iron, 64 x 48 x 5”
Ka Ho’onā, 2018, Rust, 60 x 48 x 4”
Erin Cunningham (b. 1979 Honolulu, HI) is an artist living and working in Austin, Texas. She is one of the founding members of the ICOSA Collective, an artist run exhibition space in Austin, TX. She is an Assistant Professor of Practice at The University of Texas at Austin.