For 2010

Currently undecided.

2009 Conference

The Arts Council of York County presents a small visual arts show that will be among us during the day. The artist displayed is Jon Wald.

Circuitree

Artist Statement

Approximately 80% of the art I have created in the previous 24 months is composed of materials recycled from outdated computers. I am interested in the history of each disassembled computer. Especially the history of its value. In only two years a computer’s value decreases from ~$1,200 to -$20. In most states it cost around $20 to recycle electronic waste properly, which explains the exponential growth of electronic waste in landfills. E-waste is growing more than three times faster than municipal waste.

Depressing I know, but it is not my intent to smother viewers into hopelessness. I believe the development of the net and computers are necessary as they are the furthest reaching technologies ever created and provide huge quantities of power for many people. Currently, our computers are living an average of 2-3 years and are usually either disposed of improperly or stored in a closet. I find that a lot of people have a problem throwing something so valuable to them away. It is estimated that 1/3 of american households have obsolete computers in their closets. I have no problem seeing the difficulty in throwing out something that was cutting edge and cost at least $1,000 only two years ago. I feel the tension between acknowledged facts such as these bring a wide range of interest and opportunity to my work.

My assemblages focus on man’s relationship with technology and the environment. Symbols (windmills, geothermal wells, solar panels, plants, mini irrigation systems, clocks, etc.) are situated within my works in hope of creating icons that describe the subject. Recycling is, of course, most important and is represented in all of my recent works. Every electronic component was donated as waste and i upcycled the materials into art, hoping to influence the growing concern of ‘what to do with our waste’.