By DOMINIQUE WALD DWALD@DNEWS.COM
Down in the depths of Washington State University’s Fine Arts building, adjunct ceramics and sculpture instructor JJ Harty puts on his protective goggles, turns on an electric saw and creates his art.
“We just got this saw, which is great. It’s a brand new toy, but usually I do my art by hand,” he said.
Harty is one of 43 artists participating in this year’s Pullman Artwalk, which brought in a record number of registrations, with more than 26 downtown businesses participating and double the number of artists from the previous year.
Harty’s art can’t be pegged to a certain medium, but he said all of his work has as particular theme.
“I don’t think I have any one thing that I do, it shifts a lot,” Harty said. “I would say everything I do is focused on discovery and space.”
Harty uses objects that are typically seen as mundane, takes them apart and finds art and meaning in the negative space it occupies.
“Take a fishing reel, for example. People don’t understand the time and effort it takes to design something to make it functional,” Harty said. “Those objects, when taken apart, almost become things on their own.”
Harty focuses on the anthropological history of those objects and not so much on the act of taking the objects apart, but puts more emphasis in the context in which they’re displayed. After taking the object apart, Harty will mount the tiny pieces on wood to show the intricacies behind something that normally wouldn’t be seen as artistic.
As a first-timer at Pullman’s Artwalk, Harty is looking forward to the social aspect the event offers.
“I love getting questions about my art — it sometimes sparks something in me and gives me inspiration,” Harty said. “This is my first time showcasing my art somewhere in town other than at the university.”
Pullman Art Commissioner Ashlie Grilz said the commission has broadened the scope this year in regards to what’s offered at the event, adding music performances, interactive art installations, family-friendly activities and a drive-through art gallery.
Grilz also said the arts commission plans on adding new venues and events as the popularity of the Pullman Artwalk grows.
If You Go WHAT: Pullman Artwalk WHEN: 4-8 p.m. Saturday WHERE: Downtown Pullman
