Reflecting on My Artistic Journey: An Exploration of Identity and Perception

Written By Juniper Shuey

Hello everyone! My name is Juniper Shuey, and I am a visual artist dedicated to creating immersive and interactive experiences that challenge our perceptions of reality, identity, and human interaction. Recently, I suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) that has prompted me to re-engage with my artistic practice and reflect on why I create art. This journey is not only part of my recovery but also a way to re-evaluate who I am as an artist and how I want to reconnect with my creative self during my neural recovery.

 

Why This Blog?

 

In this blog, I aim to tackle the complex question of how to label and tell the story of my artistic practice. What term best describes the type of artist I am? How does my work fit within the contexts of the visual and performance art worlds? My art practice is profoundly influenced by my complicated relationship with belief, stemming from my upbringing in an alternative belief system alongside a family of educators.

 

Exploring Memory and Imagination

 

One of the most fascinating aspects of my work is how much it relies on the viewer to complete the experience. Each piece is designed to activate the viewer’s imagination and influence their memory, so that the artwork lives uniquely in each person’s mind. This interplay between imagination and memory means that every piece becomes part of the viewer’s life experience, shaped by their unique perceptions and memories.

 

This concept is particularly poignant for me because I have inattentive ADHD and struggle to access my own physical memories. When I started this work, I often talked about how I had blacked out my childhood and couldn’t remember experiences with my sister, who was always with me. Despite being an integral part of my life, I couldn’t see her in any of my memories. This personal challenge has deeply influenced my approach to art, as I aim to create works that allow viewers to engage with their own memories and imaginations in ways that I cannot.

 

What to Expect

 

This blog will unfold in phases, starting with an exploration of foundational concepts and my personal context, followed by a detailed historical account of my works since 2000. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect:

 

Phase 1: Foundation and Context

 

1.   Introduction to My Artistic Journey

      •   Setting the stage for the blog and inviting you to join me on this journey.

2.   Defining My Artistic Practice

      •   Exploring how to label and tell the story of my artistic practice.

3.   Influences of Belief on My Art

      •   Discussing how my upbringing and belief systems have shaped my artistic direction.

4.   Phenomenology and Identity in My Work

      •   Examining the influence of phenomenology on my understanding of identity and perception.

5.   Haptic Art and the Power of Imagination

      •   Delving into how haptic art engages the imagination and creates unique experiences for each viewer.

6.   Performance Art and Its Impact

      •   Highlighting the role of performance art in my work and its impact on my creative process.

7.   Interactive and Installation Art

      •   Exploring my approach to creating immersive environments and engaging the senses.

8.   The Role of Sensory Experiences in My Art

      •   Providing examples of works that incorporate sensory experiences and their impact on viewers.

9.   Reflecting on My Artistic Evolution

      •   Summarizing the growth and changes in my work over time.

 

Phase 2: Historical Account of Specific Works

 

1.   2000-2005: Early Experiments and Discoveries

      •   Detailed analysis of specific works from this period.

2.   2005-2010: Developing a Distinct Voice

      •   Significant pieces that marked my development as an artist.

3.   2010-2015: Collaboration and Expansion

      •   Analysis of collaborative works and major installations.

4.   2015-2020: Maturity and Reflection

      •   Important works that reflect a mature artistic vision.

 

Join Me on This Journey

 

Art is an ever-evolving conversation, and through this blog, I aim to share my reflections, insights, and the context behind my work. In upcoming posts, I will delve deeper into specific pieces, explore historical influences, and share behind-the-scenes stories from my studio.

 

Thank you for joining me on this journey of exploration and discovery. I look forward to sharing more with you and engaging in meaningful conversations about art, identity, and perception.

Juniper Shuey

Juniper Shuey is a Seattle-based visual artist renowned for his innovative work in video installations, sculptural performance, and photography. Born in Santa Cruz, California, in 1974, Shuey pursued theatrical set design at Emerson College in Boston before transferring to the University of Washington to study ceramics. There, he integrated performance art with ceramics, leading to his exploration of video projection as a sculptural medium. 

Since 1999, Shuey's work has been showcased both nationally and internationally, including exhibitions in Italy, Budapest, New York City, Houston, Seattle, Portland, and Christchurch, New Zealand. His notable exhibitions include solo shows at the Howard House in Seattle (2005 and 2010) and participation in the Tacoma Art Museum's Northwest Biennial (2004, 2006). His work has been published in art books such as "SOIL Artist," "Lava," and "Fashion is ART."

Shuey has received several awards recognizing his contributions to the arts, including the Curators' Choice Award at the Tacoma Art Museum's Northwest Biennial in 2004 and the People's Choice Award at the Bellevue Art Museum's Northwest Annual in 2001. In 2010, he was a fellow at The MacDowell Colony, and in 2013, he, along with collaborator Zoe Scofield, received The Stranger Genius Award for Performance.

In 2005, Shuey began a collaborative partnership with choreographer and dancer Zoe Scofield, leading to the formation of the company zoe | juniper in 2006. Together, they create multidisciplinary works that blend dance, video installations, and photography. Their collaborations have been presented at venues such as Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, On the Boards, Bumbershoot, Bates Dance Festival, PICA's TBA Festival, and the Frye Art Museum. 

Beyond his artistic endeavors, Shuey serves as the head carpenter at the University of Washington's Meany Hall.

You can visit his Instagram profile for a visual insight into his work and creative process.

http://www.zoejuniper.org