Isaac L. Stern
he/him
East Troy, WI, USA
As a recent UW-Whitewater BFA in Metals graduate, and next generation metalsmith, I understand the obligation to continue the advocacy against the political agenda of my existence. As well as support other queer artists by creating opportunity for self-discovery, despite being relentlessly ""discovered"" by others.
My work is expressed through the tangibility beneath ocean waves, and the relational sea life that lives there. Evolving and other worldly; also forced into the discovery by "the man".
What of its other worldliness? As it exists with and within us.
Just as we exist so queerly human.
I am inspired by the oceans visual and physical analogies between the queer existence and those of its sea life. I am able to share this personal research through materiality and continuous repetition, and able to connect it to the ecology of the ever-evolving self.
"The curl of the transient latex, finding stability in the exoskeletal alloy of copper. Enhancing the survival techniques of sea-life, that form a relatable current through the material biosphere. It explores the body through its consistency and texture to introspect the mainstream transgender stereotype; transmitting that exchange between fluidity and kinetics. The visuals of sea-life support the analogies of the transcending perspective of the queerly human. A part of me exists to shun the sanctimony over their discovery, living as proof of a factual possibility.
The manifestation of a hundred testosterone needles in a visual that is reminiscent of the sea urchin. I can caress the vision of its sharp protruding entities, making peace with them. While others are afraid of it, I must administer my weekly, and soon the analogy shall translate as a defense mechanism."
How does your work relate to the theme transformation— How does the work translate joy into strength?
"There is truth, love and joy found in self identity, elements that can otherwise be clouded by the collective nature of a stealthy dysphoria. A dysphoria brought upon by internal and external forces. The urgent copper and silver needles may feel prickly to the touch, but within them, my body and mind are able to connect the dots to cure that fog. Hormones can be essential to cure the thickest of insecurities for many transgender individuals. It opens opportunity to find joy and to be joyful, and it takes a certain type of strength to take those crucial steps to get there.
In Urchin Needles, there is a sense of overwhelming repetition, there is the unnerving movability of the spines, yet also a nurturing that takes place when interacting with it. You are taking care of yourself no matter the circumstance, and that is the strongest thing a human could possibly do."
"Urchin Needles", Copper, latex, silver, 6" x 5" x 4", 2023Anything else you would like to share about this work? This can be an important part of the process, sourcing materials, or research.
"Copper is my extension of self. It feels like skin and bone, and it speaks with me as I work with it. We have conversations about politics and about what is for lunch.
Natural Rubber Latex is a new addition, and one that challenges me with a mind of it's own. When I introduced the two materials, copper seemed hesitant at first but soon took to the likes of its muscle memory. The transient elasticity is harder to talk with but importantly compliments the still and firm of the copper that grounds it.
Both working together to create work that is biodegradable along with recyclable. This has always been important to me, especially when comparing analogies with sea life."
