How did artist Craig Colorusso fit an 80,000 Square Foot Installation into a mini-van? We met while I was a docent during the recent installation in Charleston of Sound + Light and Craig not only agreed to do this interview (see Part I last week with photo’s of his studio in Arkansas) but suggested it might be interesting to watch him dismantle and meticulously deconstruct and pack out the entire massive 4 part installation into his van. This week I’m excited to share his installation pack out and some specific questions related to his process!
Inside the Studio with Craig Colorusso- Sneak Peek Part II
From this…
HKPS:: How much thought do you give to your artistic body of work in terms of historic value and the overall legacy you will leave behind? How do you store/archive your work or records?
CC::I now save everything. When I was younger I had a great memory. I could remember whole tour itineraries not anymore. I save everything I can now mostly so I can show my daughter someday. But I’m also leaving myself a breadcrumb trail. I meet so many amazing people in my travels I hope to document them all.
The next few questions are specific to Craig’s installation, planning and transportation of art.
HKPS::How long have you been creating art for installations and do you always deliver and install your own works?
CC::In 1996 I did a show called Maschine. Joel Westerdale, drummer of China Pig and I worked at a print shop in Danbury CT. Somehow we convinced our boss to let us do a show in the shop. So, we woke up at 4am a few times to practice before anyone arrived at work. It was great to start that early. Looking back I always enjoyed being awake doing things when it seemed like everyone else was asleep. And I like warehouses. Anyway, we composed a piece of music for instruments and two offset presses. 2 AB Dick 360’s. We brought in Guitar, Bass Clarinet, Timpani, Drums and Saxophone to pay with the roar of the presses. The shop was such an integral part of the piece it got me thinking about space. And other elements beside just music. Since we worked there we were able to do a lot with light as well. The wheels are still turning…
Since I’m coming at this from a touring musician’s start I deliver and install everything myself. I have created a life that allows me to pack the van and hit the road. I always so this life as making something and sharing it. Part of the sharing is me. I got the tour bug early on and still like it. When I was 19 my good friend Todd Ransick called me up and told me the guitar player in his band Far Cry didn’t wanna go on tour because he was afraid his girlfriend would cheat on him. So I made way to Bethesda Maryland and practiced for a few weeks and left on my first tour. It was even better than I thought it would be. So here we are all these years later.
HKPS::How did you plan for the packing and transportation of your installation work?
CC::I suppose I always have the van in mind. And sometimes I rely on my packing skills a little too much but it works.
Craig Colorusso-Pack Out
HKPS::Was Sound + Light the first show you have done with all 3 installation components?
CC::This was the first time I was able to present all 4 pieces and the film.
HKPS::Did you plan any of your artwork around the logistics of transportation or keep the transport in mind when designing your works and their modular components?
CC::I have a few platforms that I’ve built for CUBEMUSIC and Sun Boxes to fit nicely in the van. MB 89 has toured by itself so I thought it would all fit. But honestly there were a few moments that I thought I would have to get another vehicle.
HKPS:: Did you have an idea of how to pack your van or did you have to try things out till you were able to make it all fit?
CC::The pack that went to Charleston was revised 3 times before it all worked. I am very proud of the pack. I like the idea of space and how we can manipulate it.
To this…(in approx 4 hrs)
Thank you Craig for sharing how you work, your planning and process! I loved being a part of the Sound+ Light experience and watching the show come down and be packed into that small space, Bravo! You win the “Puzzle” award for fitting 80,000 square feet of art installation into one little van!
*The idea for the Inside the Artist Studio series began while attending an art retreat where I curiously observed the differences in the creative cycle of order and chaos and what that looks like for different individuals. I’m very interested in sharing how organizing affects the artist’s creative process. Some systems and order are vital to our creative PLAY and learning to find a balance that works to enhance your creativity is what I hope to share with you through these interviews.
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Is there a particular artist whose ‘Tool kit’ or studio you would like to see featured? Please leave a comment below and let me know!