Ellington

“I like the idea of salvage.”

As Evan Blackwell stood among his artwork at his latest gallery showing entitled “Vanishing Perspectives,” salvage was one concept that was immediately apparent.

“There’s such an abundance of discarded material; I’m really interested in making something with that,” he said.

Blackwell graduated from the ceramics program at the UW in 2008, but his repertoire goes beyond just that field — the majority of Blackwell’s works at this particular showing are sculptures of a different kind. Constructed from material normally seen as part of your average wooden door, Blackwell repurposes the forgotten frames into something unique and fulfilling for himself and his artistry.

“The material is so organic; it’s got a life of its own,” he said, referring to the new meanings his works take on when they are fully realized. The process of putting together these creations sounds like a large undertaking: Hundreds of nails and wood panels have to fit like clockwork in order to achieve a coherent piece of art.

“It’s kind of about experiencing a space. They have this architectural language to them,” he said as we spoke in front of a piece entitled “Junction.” There seems to be a recurring theme of cities for a few of the pieces, and he explains where that theme comes from.

“A lot of the titles are based on a book called “Invisible Cities,” which alludes to this utopian ideal in urban planning and cities that never really worked out. A lot of it is about order and chaos,” he said. “Invisible Cities,” published in 1972, touched on the type of urban theory that Blackwell tries to convey in his art.

Aside from his own personal artistic endeavors, Blackwell has taught art and writing at Evergreen State College in Olympia since last spring.

“It’s an amazing curriculum,” he said, referring to the unique system the college employs in lieu of a normal grading scale — one of the many qualities that grants Blackwell artistic freedom as an instructor.

When asked about the leap it takes to immerse yourself in art as a career, Blackwell stressed the importance of living through your art.

“I live with my work as much as I can,” he said, alluding to studio areas where he can focus his creativity. “Every piece should teach me something about myself; if I’m not learning, it’s probably time to work with something else.”

Blackwell put the whole idea of artistry quite simply.

“It’s a labor of love. You’ve just got to love the work you have, and just keep on doing it,” he said, a theme of persistence that became more and more obvious as our conversation continued.

Like every artist I’ve spoken with, Blackwell once again cited Seattle as a hub for everything art-related; whether it’s music, sculpture, fine art or writing, he feels there are a lot of good things going on.

“It’s just a different medium,” he said, referencing an aspiration I shared about a creative-writing undertaking and how all artists can achieve a similar catharsis.

“You have to be passionate about it,” he added as gallery patrons filtered in, gazing curiously at Blackwell’s efforts over the past year. It’s already a good start to the new year for Blackwell, who will no doubt continue down the path of learning through his art.

“Vanishing Perspectives” runs until Jan. 29 and is located at the Foster White Gallery just south of Pioneer Square.

Reach reporter Cameron Ellis at weekender@dailyuw.com.