Todd Stonnell

Static's Where You'll Find Me

23 x 26 x 18"

Found TV, Cardboard Plexiglass, Glitter, Projection Paper, String Lights, Paint, Acrylic, Plastic, Batting, Chicken Wire

$350

Growing up queer, I drew a lot of strength from the strong female characters flickering to life on my television set; in them I found compassion and connection until the TV fell into static late into the night. They were my guardians in the dark, inviting me to be my authentic self.

Artist's Statement:

Art has always been a space for me to reconnect and play; this could be reconnection with lost or distant parts of myself, or simply a chance to dance with the materials and see what comes out.  In a lot of my work, you can find a hint of nostalgia, a cheeky wink to the 90’s through which I spent my childhood.  I love to explore deeper themes through the imagery of this era, examining something challenging and vulnerable through iconography that feels familiar and safe.

My relationship with art weaves through my roles as an artist as well as an art therapist; not to mention my experience as a Zumba instructor- each of these roles plays a huge part in my process.  I tell my clients constantly to maintain their connection to the process, inviting the opportunity to let go of expectations and see where the journey leads us.  I try to follow this same approach, which has usually translated into manipulation of materials using heat, force and spontaneous movement.  In contrast, I love the idea of taming the untamable, attempting to bring form to fluid and unpredictable media, such as melted crayons and vinyl.