Amy Minster

My recent work explores the intersection of art, craft, and manufacturing. Most works begin with a used, machine-made metal bicycle part, be it a brake lever, pedal, gear, or wheel. Based on the form of the part, I determine what theme to explore, such as seeing the graceful curve of an octopus arm in a brake lever and bringing that octopus sculpture to life. I mostly explore themes of nature to incorporate the world around us into the machine-made and hand-crafted elements of my work, so other pieces start with those ideas in mind. Then I use creative problem-solving to determine how to explore that theme while recycling bicycle parts, creating a new form and function along the way. 

Math and science also feature heavily in my work. The symmetry of gears and wheels allows me to create interesting geometries, and stained glass work touches on the sciences of chemistry and engineering. The physics of the bicycle itself – simple machines, staying upright and moving forward – are inherently suggested in art using bicycle parts, as is the freedom of movement a bicycle brings. Using the craft of glasswork in my art incorporates the principles of light and color, and the fragile, more ephemeral nature of glass contrasts with the permanence of the machined metal parts I use. 

My hope is that I create works that will be both unexpected and beautiful.