Jonathan Talit

Lives and works in Tampa, FL, USA

Artist statement

I am interested in flesh as a membrane; the site of negotiation between our inner and external worlds. Through exercise, diet, sexual activity, and clothing, we are constantly brokering deals between various desires that are expressed on our skin. I make work that displays these negotiations. This can include making a sculpture that appears to swell from internal pressure, or from a surface that merges two seemingly opposed connotations (i.e. insectile and beauty queen makeup). Holes intrigue me because they are punctures in membranes. They expose the frightening fragility of surfaces while also offering proof of the possibility of change. I am attracted to the vessel for its content regarding the womb and secrets, but also as a form in transition: just after one thing and now becoming another. Holes also make us curious to peer into and afraid of what might be looking back out. My work displays the possibilities of change and ambiguity while holding the freedom and terror of them simultaneously.

Artwork

• Le Freak, 2022. Fired Clay, Glaze, Luster, Glass, Apoxie Sculpt, Foam, Acrylic Paint, Tar Gel, Spray Paint, Resin, Mica Powder, Wood
• Circle of Willis, 2022. Fired Clay, Glaze, Iridescent Pigment
• Triumvirate , 2022. Fired Clay, Glaze
• Gorgon, 2022. Fired Clay, Glaze, Luster
• Like a cat in heat stuck in a moving car, 2021. Fired Clay, Glaze, Plasti Dip, Spray Paint, Steel, Resin, Packaging Peanuts, Kelly Clarkson Ottoman, Iridescent Pigment, LED Lights, Flocking
• Slippery When Wet, 2021. Fired Clay, Glaze, Envirotex Lite, Iridescent Pigment, Flocking, Silicone, Steel Sword
• Noir, 2021. Fired Clay, Glaze, Paint, Apoxie, Iridescent Pigment, Velvet, MDF, Flocking
• Syntax, 2020. Cardboard, Wire, Hot Glue, Plastic Rhinestones, Pins, Prosthetic Jaw
• Fromage Frottage , 2016. Fired Clay, Tar Gel, Acrylic Paint, One Large Papa John's Pepperoni Pizza
• Lighthouse, 2019. Tree Log, Steel, Flocking, Cat Scratcher, Wood, Wax
• Silly Agitations, 2020. Handkerchief, Spray Cheese, Printed Images
• Wasp, 2019. Fired Clay, Underglaze, Blush, Lamb Wool, Copper Pipe, Chain, Apoxy
• Soma, 2020. Cardboard, Swarovski Crystals, Spray Cheese, Earring, Printed Image, Prosthetic Eye
• Construction, 2020. Cardboard, Copper Tubing, Stone, Car Air Fresheners, Plastic, Printed Images, Plastic, Stretch Fabric
• Fecund, 2020. Fired Clay, Glaze, Iridescent Pigment
• Just Add Water, 2016. Fired Clay, Tar Gel, Acrylic Paint, Cat Pedestal, Fake Hair
• Petunia, 2017. Chapstick, Therapeutic Puppy Bed
• Platform, 2020. Cardboard, Metal, Fired Clay, Glaze, Wax, Copper Tubing, Printed Image
• feeler, 2017. Fired Clay, Gesso, Thermachromic Paint
• Low Voltage, 2019. Fired Clay, Glaze, Wire, Spray Paint, Sunglasses Lens, 3D-Printed Plastic
• Third Base, 2017. Fired Clay, Tar Gel, Acrylic Paint, Found Ceiling Fan
• Stop, Then Wiggle With It, 2018. Fired Clay, Tar Gel, Acrylic Paint, Fake Hair, Cat Scratcher
• Weed, 2018. Fired Clay, Tar Gel, Acrylic Paint, Fake Hair
• Hand-Stretched, 2016. Fired Clay, Tar Gel, Wax, Pet Stairs