FSU Art MFA ’18 Ashton Bird and SOUP Experimental Gallery in the COCA Feature in the Tallahassee Democrat
“SOUP experimental redefines art galleries”
As written by Amanda Sieradzski, from the Council on Culture & Arts
Ashton Bird’s artistic style is, in many ways, DIY. Philosophically, he’s observed art as a do-it-yourself kind of craft. This resourcefulness was certainly put to the test when he walked into the old apartment building in Railroad Square that has since been transformed into SOUP Experimental. Bird’s installation background gave him an eye to open the space up into a three-room gallery.
“It’s transforming a space so you walk in and experience a different feeling or a moment,” explains Bird. “My installation artwork is about evoking an experience and forcing the participant into moving in a certain direction, thinking in a certain way, and then thinking in a different way once they reach an object. It activates or reactivates a site specific space where a participant has to walk in to experience the artwork.”
Opening the gallery space has taught him how to find creative answers and solutions with everything from demolishing a shower, to installing a sink, to leveling a wall. Bird says traveling from South Dakota to Florida was a giant leap, but one that has given him confidence. He recognizes the ambitious goals he’s set forth for SOUP and is ready to meet them head on.
