More Than Material Art Show Virtual Tour

"Strung Together" by Owen Chilson
Sculpture Wood, Nails, Thread

Artist Statement

My name is Owen Chilson. I am eighteen years old, and I am a senior at Sauk Rapids Rice High School. With the help of Shane, I designed and constructed my piece by stringing over two miles of string around two hundred sixty-four nails hammered into pine wood. The sculpture resembles a picture of a ram skull symbolizing taking initiative.

My choice of joining the Army National Guard helped me fabricate my piece. I have always struggled with actually getting up and using my skills to better myself or others. On the few occasions I have been actively productive, I usually tend to exclude others believing I can achieve things by myself; however, this does not always work the best. My piece helped me realize this in more ways than one. I ended up breaking my wrist in a track incident during this Portable Vision session and needed to rely on the help of others to complete something.

Throughout this session I really came aware of how different everyones lives are. For most of my life I have been fairly relaxed with no big issues facing my way and by hearing everyone else’s life stories I realized everyone else does not have it as easy as I do. This epiphany has really influenced me to use my skills to not help only myself. I decided to start this journey by flipping a new chapter and join the national guard. I have to thank my parents and God for giving me my skills and my opportunities and I am looking forward to seeing what is next.

Oral Statement