Artist Statement

My work aims to explore the space between the apparent chaos in nature and the control that comes with process and craftsmanship. I have been enjoying the use of simple mediums in conjunction with the natural elements and fluid dynamics to create unique pieces. For example; enabling gravity to take over, dripping ink between melting layers of ice, or leaving inked paper out in the rain. The results are always a surprise and leave some hints as to how they were created.

Like walking through the wilderness…with some practice you begin to see the stories unfolding around you. A few animal tracks here, broken branches there, the way a hillside has shifted after a flood; you learn to read the environment to see what has happened…and what might happen next. It is my hope that engaging with my work is the same process, except the wilderness is your own mind as you learn to see the stories that are unfolding within you.

Bio

Aio was born in Denver, Colorado as James Tyson and was never too far away from a trailhead. An avid hiker and backpacker, extensive time in the North American wilderness inspires all of the work from materials to subject matter and technique. Artists who inspire through their work include Etsuko Ichikawa, Barbara Hepworth, and Theaster Gates.