Turning the crank generates a loud “Meow” and supplies power to the internal LEDs and panel meters.
Archive
31 Mar Ahead Full
Turning the knob winds the record player motor which delivers power to the digit counter “teeth”, and intermittently triggers the lights in the eyes. The lights are powered by a 9-volt battery which is turned on and off via the main indicator dial.
31 Mar Boring Tool
This absurd project is a vintage electric drill, painstakingly disassembled, cleaned, drilled almost out existence, then reassembled with internal LED lights. A record player speed governor has been inserted in the chuck to provide visual feedback as the motor speed is adjusted on the dial.
07 Nov Misappropriations Exhibit
Hi friends! I’m installing my latest works (and some oldies) at a new space in downtown Oakland. There will be a lot of other great artists participating. Press release below.
I hope to see you there!
Grand Opening of The Orchard / Galleries on 25:
A New Art Destination in the Heart of Oakland’s Uptown Art District
Saturday, November 15, from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m.
489 – 25th Street, Oakland, CA
This dynamic 6,000-square-foot space, the vision of Peter Dreyfuss was created to bring together artists, galleries, and art lovers in one inspiring environment. The venue will house Gray Loft Uptown, alongside showrooms for 10 to 12 established local artists, offering a diverse and ever-evolving array of contemporary art.
“The idea behind The Orchard / Galleries on 25 is to create a space where creativity thrives and connections happen,” says founder Peter Dreyfuss. “Oakland’s art scene has incredible energy, and we’re thrilled to contribute a new home for artists and audiences to engage, collaborate, and celebrate.”
The Grand Opening celebration will feature live music by the Stephen Dreyfuss Duo, dance performance by Meghan Lowe Dancers, and, of course, a stunning array of visual art. Visitors can meet the artists, explore the new space, and experience firsthand the creative pulse that defines Oakland’s 25th Street art corridor.
Participating galleries and artists:
Gray Loft Uptown, Suzy Barnard, Peter Dreyfuss, Nemo Gould, Lisa Levine, Fernanda Martinez, Yulia Pinkusevich, Anja Ulfeldt, Fernando Reyes, Meghan Shimek, Simone Simon, Tom White, and John Wood.
Located at 489 – 25th Street, The Orchard / Galleries on 25 will be open every First Friday – in conjunction with the Oakland Art Murmur. Gallery hours are Fridays and Saturdays from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m., as well as by appointment.
Gallery Hours: Fridays and Saturdays 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. and by appointment
About The Orchard Galleries on 25
The Orchard / Galleries on 25 is a new arts destination in Oakland’s thriving Art Murmur district, offering space for galleries and individual artists to present exhibitions, installations, and events. With its collaborative model and spacious layout, Galleries on 25 aims to foster community engagement and showcase the creative diversity that defines the Bay Area art scene.
For media inquiries or additional information, please contact:
Jan Watten – janwatten@gmail.com 510-499-3445
22 Oct Warhead
Musing on the intersection of power, money, and information.
22 Oct Watchful
This is a portrait of you when you are looking at your phone.
Winding the motor causes the eyes to track back and forth, and tongue to wag.
22 Oct Bytes
Turning the crank intermittently activates a high voltage arc on top of the characters head. The weight of the jaw keeps the arc turned off when not in use.
16 Jul The Pursuit of Joy
“The Pursuit of Joy” was commissioned by a couple of cycling enthusiasts (one of whom’s name is Joy). They wanted something for their home that reflected their passions, yet held true to my aesthetic. It bears a strong resemblance to my sculpture “Nowhere Fast” from 2009.
20 Oct “Defense Mechanisms” Pop-up Exhibit
“Defense Mechanisms” was a solo pop up exhibit at 481 9th Street, Oakland CA. During the month of November 2023
17 Jul Hammerhead
The law of the instrument, or law of the hammer is a cognitive bias that involves an over-reliance on a familiar tool. Abraham Maslow wrote in 1966, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, it is tempting to treat everything as if it were a nail.
11 Sep Dingaling
Turning the crank generates enough electricity to cause the bells in his eyes to ring, the meter in his mouth to jump, and LEDs within to pulse.
11 Sep Teeter
This figure features a pair of gimbal joints that keep it balanced. Manipulating the large spherical counterweight produces fluid, life-like motions.
11 Sep Meter
Turning the crank clockwise causes the head to sway back and forth. The crank also turns a tiny generator, creating enough current to make the needles in the meters jump. An eerie sound is also produced within the base by dragging a bolt across a stretched spring.
17 Jul Chatbot
This machine gives you all the power of an AI chatbot with the familiar comfort of subtle condescension and velvet-touch deflection that until now, only human customer service agents could provide.
17 Jul The Escalator
Are you tired of being scared all the time? With so many armed citizens, is carrying a single pistol enough? Why bring a six-gun to a shoot-out when you could bring a six gun six-gun? Take self defense to the next level with the 6×6 Escalator!
30 Apr Au-Ra
Au: Chemical symbol for gold – Ra: Ancient Egyptian solar deity
21 May Insight
This is the creature that lives inside your phone. Featureless and mysterious, with an infinite capacity to observe and absorb everything you do. Gaze into your reflection long enough and you’ll find yourself trapped inside, looking out.
21 May Target Audience
The juxtaposition of a film projector and a machine gun is a statement about the volatility and danger inherent in our (often false) media saturated lives.
