We had the good fortune of connecting with Anduriel Widmark and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Anduriel, why did you pursue a creative career?
Like most creatives, I was indoctrinated from an early age into the long-standing traditions and mythologies of object making. I was lucky to have a community that provided many opportunities to witness and practice creativity. Throughout my adolescence, the concept of art and creativity was encouraged by my parents. This environment not only developed a positive internal reward system but also habituated methods for managing attention and developing material fluency.
Even though art didn’t initially seem like a viable career when I was young, I remained passionate about bringing that which lived in my imagination to life in the real world. My passion for art making evolved into a keen interest in learning various technical processes. Coupled with a naive belief that higher education was related to the quality of one’s life, it motivated me to enroll at Metropolitan State University of Denver to formally study art.
While I no longer believe that an artist needs to attend university to become a professional artist, I’m happy that I did, mostly because that’s where I met my partner, Reece. After graduating I quickly realized that I had put most of my eggs in one basket, cultivating technical skill sets and social attitudes that were largely detrimental to gaining traditional employment. However, this path has blessed me with opportunities to collaborate and work with all kinds of amazing creative people and on fun projects. Art has a remarkable way of surprising you, and most of the time, it feels like I’m just along for the ride.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Thank you for the question. The essence of what differentiates me from others is simply the flavor, the style, and the vibes. I mean, what difference is there really between anything, anyway? The things I’m most proud of and that which excites me right now have mostly to do with personal gestures of kindness, compassion, and responsible growth, more than any of the ongoing art projects. However, that wasn’t always so. When I was younger, it was so important to prove the value of the work. I spent a lot of time refining my technical abilities, always striving for everything to be bigger and better. As I’ve grown less attached to those narratives as a measure of success, the overall creative process has become much more enjoyable. I believe that being willing to pivot and overcome attachment can go a very long way. At times, I have to view economic, temporal, and other systems as weather, and sometimes it is just the weather you have to weather.
Over the last few years, one of my favorite art projects has been a series of glass sculptures and manuscripts focused on cubic rod packings. At the beginning of the 2020’s, I published and presented several papers on the mathematics of hexastix and other rod packings. The basic concept behind these works is, that there are only so many ways that a few simple sticks can be symmetrically arranged and connected to each other to make interesting topological knots. These sculptures and mathematical concepts are now scheduled to be published as a book that will be released in early 2024. I realize that heady mathematical manuscripts and intricate geometric glass sculptures might not be everyone’s cup of tea. In addition to these works, I also spend a considerable amount of time creating other images, paintings, and videos. What unifies all my work is a focus on patterns. My creations often take on the appearance of abstract geometric lines, but they can also evoke undulating organic landscapes. I make an effort to switch between an array of diverse projects, avoiding getting locked into a single subject matter or style for too long.
Over the past few years, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have opened up intriguing new possibilities. These new AI models are powerful tools that have inspired me to explore some fresh perspectives. I am having a lot of fun with this and I am excited to see where all this play leads. For me, whether it’s sculptures or images, it’s about channeling some of the chaos into order, or sometimes merely reflecting the chaos beneath what may seem orderly. Above all, it’s about the celebration of life & beauty, and connecting with others in an enjoyable way.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Hosting someone in Denver is an adventure waiting to happen and an opportunity to blend our distinct art scene and time in the beautiful outdoors into some unique experiences. With our rich history and diverse habitats, we’ll make the most of every moment during their visit.
Any exploration of Denver should include delving into some local art spots. I have an affinity for the intimate, locally-owned art galleries. We can check out some hidden gems, maybe even stumble upon a free community art event. Evenings are perfect for savoring the local culinary delights or we can enjoy some live music at iconic venues like Red Rocks or Dazzle. Amidst the breathtaking landscapes of our mountains, we can indulge in hiking or perhaps take a winding scenic drive. Each of our cozy mountain towns are a delight to discover with their own charms. If the timing is right, we might even be lucky to catch a spontaneous show at a mountain brewery or tavern. Back in the heart of Denver, we’ll explore the city’s niche activities that highlight our eclectic range of lifestyles and captivating culture from small shops to immersive art installations, there’s always something intriguing around town, or off the beaten path. As the trip winds down, we’ll gather for a homemade feast. Tacos and homemade green chili will tantalize our taste buds, and we’ll keep the creative energy flowing by staying up late painting together or discussing religion and politics. Throughout the journey, we’ll embrace the unknown, the absurd, and all the vibrant experiences that Denver and the conversation has to offer.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Yeah, so like I was saying the other day, among the countless teachers, friends, colleagues, and strangers who have shown me the way and allowed me the opportunity to make and practice art, the most instrumental person for my success is my partner in art and life, Reece Salinas. While at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Reece invited me to join a campus art club. We began spending time together making art magnets and paintings, even illegally blowing glass on her 3rd-story apartment balcony a few nights a week during that first summer together. We have been navigating the trials of maintaining our own creative practices through these years together, all while also running art businesses, doing other work and odd jobs, being faced with a fast-changing & challenging world, and trying to responsibly engage with larger societal dynamics, just to slightly describe the scope of it. Reece has not only been continually insightful but relentlessly compassionate, pushing growth and understanding beyond anything I could have ever imagined for my art practices and in life. She’s made the colors brighter and the air sweeter. I am infinitely grateful to Reece and would not be who I am without her love and support. In addition to Reece, I also dedicate my story to the Ancestors who have led the way, for without them, we are nothing.
Website: www.andurielstudios.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/andurielstudios
Facebook: www.facebook.com/andurielstudios1