Jackson Domenico
Maker of things and enjoyer of stuff
21 year old interdisciplinary artist
Jackson Domenico
Maker of things and enjoyer of stuff
21 year old interdisciplinary artist
About Jackson Domenico
Artist Statement
In building a practice for myself, I have centered my exploration around community, craft, neurodivergence, queerness, and environmental ecology. These ideas are translated visually through an interdisciplinary approach involving painting, sculpture, ceramics, installation, and fiber art. The through-line in all of my work presents itself not only as masses of vibrant neon colors and whimsical, clashing patterns, but also feelings of comfort and a willingness for the viewer to embrace play. The utilization of soft, rounded forms as abstract vessels for approaching concepts of community and personhood allows for these unassuming forms to disarm the audience and be met with a tender and welcome reception.
My practice oscillates between fine art and craft, and in trying to carve out a space for myself, I find this birth of an inbetween area to be a metaphor for queerness and authenticity. The reason why craft is so important to me is because it ties me to a community, and allows me to build a family of my own. The intricate, specialized labor of craft is passed down from generation to generation, enveloping new members and giving them a purpose that extends beyond the self. The process of creating, especially when avoiding being precious and hesitant with my materials, generates lots of waste, and my practice now involves collecting these byproducts and storing them for future use as a way to minimize the amount of material unconsciously wasted. This way of working is reminiscent of the processes that occur in ecosystems that exist to cycle nutrients, and making sure that no energy or matter are ever truly lost. I also feel as though this approach to collecting is a further extension of my desire to not leave anything behind. I am attached to each little scrap of fabric and string, and see myself in each piece of fiber I refuse to discard.
Artist Bio
My name is Jackson Domenico, and I am 21 years old and currently entering my senior year at the University of Florida, seeking my Bachelors of Fine Arts with a concentration in ceramics, but I also work in fiber art, painting, drawing, sculpture, and installation. My work revolves around the themes of queerness, community, craft, neurodivergence, memory, environmental ecology. Another facet of my exploration has been examining the relationship between queer people and the natural world around us. Which can be read in my work as botanical motifs and references to biological processes on both micro and macro scales.