Artist Cody Bush approaches perfection at the AcA
Forgive the man who stares at your neckline too long. Embellished with a design by Cody Bush, it is to be expected. Strong planes and sensuous curves yield an intoxicating display of artistry. If there is anything to be said of Bush’s metalwork it concerns immaculate precision. Every minute detail is considered in the aesthetic of the piece. Influences ranging from science fiction to automobiles and biking provide the artist with a means to create boldly modern jewelry and vessels. Bush explains, “Its always been there for me. Its that sense of wonder and amazement and possibility that you can always find in sci-fi.”
When creating the newest pieces for the Acadiana Center for the Arts exhibition, Bush turned to CAD/CAM or computer aided design and manufacturing. This technology allows for ensured accuracy and serves as a perfect base for Bush’s hand detailing, including the setting of gemstones in unexpected places. The artist also uses carbon fiber composite, a material found in bikes and space shuttles, to provide the strength and distinctive look to the work. Durability is achieved with vibrant automotive paint as on Trillion II, a bracelet inspired by his son’s obsession with the film “Transformers.” Such innovative pieces fill the AcA with the kind of craftsmanship that has become all too rare, and with an art form not customarily on display. In regards to his chosen medium, Bush says, “I think it takes it into another dimension and its just that much more interesting and engaging when you can actually wear it or serve tea out of it. It functions both as art that can sit on a shelf or a wall and be looked at but also art that can be worn out and engaged with the public. That’s the thing about metalwork and jewelry is that it’s basically wearable art, wearable pieces of sculpture.”
Bush is a native of west Texas and earned a graduate degree from The University of Iowa in metalworking and jewelry with a minor in sculpture. He has been teaching metalworking and jewelry at UL for the past seven years but plans to move on. When asked what was next he replied, “I’m going to check out the prosthetics places in town, its something I’m really interested in, the organic and inorganic coming together and piecing it into one. I would just enjoy getting use out of my skills to help somebody.”
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Cody Bush’s work will remain in the side gallery at the AcA until the second week in June. To contact the artist, send an e-mail to [email protected]._