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The Art Base showcases Brad Reed Nelson

Staff report
The Art Base solo exhibition of work by Brad Reed Nelson opens Friday.
Courtesy photo

IF YOU GO …

What: ‘Object, function know function,’ Brad Reed Nelson

Where: The Art Base, Basalt

When: Through Oct. 5; Opening reception Friday, Sept. 14, 5-7 p.m.

More info: theartbase.org

The Art Base in Basalt is showcasing another side of Brad Reed Nelson.

Best known as an inventive woodworker, furniture-maker and product designer, the solo exhibition “Object, function know function” will exhibit the Carbondale-based artist’s sculptures and installation works.

The show opens today and runs through Oct. 5. An opening reception will run from 5 to 7 p.m. today. Nelson also will give a talk for Art Base members Oct. 4.



“Object” investigates space, weight and void through formal and found objects. Gestural in nature, the show mixes earthy, oxidizing tones with bright splashes of color — presenting the viewer with a unique look at pieces, parts and process.

“The space is set up in way that takes you through a chronological time line,” Nelson said in an exhibition announcement. “Here you will see the play of weight, line, and void, rustic versus pristine, chaotic and rhythmic dissonance in no particular order.”




The exhibition includes products and prototypes that Nelson has spent several years on, including a series of metal joints called “Knuckles,” branding for Nelson’s “Knuckles” trademark and a dimensional “Knuckles” that brings the form to life.

Nelson received a MFA in sculpture with an emphasis in wood from Arizona State University in Tempe and a BS in functional design from Murray State University in Murray, Kentucky. He has run his company Board by Design out of Carbondale since 2002.

His work has been featured in numerous publications including Woodworkers Journal, The Artful Home, Boston Globe, Aspen Peak Magazine, Aspen Magazine, Aspen Sojourner, Dwell, Los Angeles Times, and Elle Décor. Brad has taught, managed and developed curriculum and programs focused on furniture design and woodworking at Anderson Ranch Arts Center as well as at Roaring Fork High School in Carbondale.

His work also has been shown throughout the United States in venues such as International Contemporary Furniture Fair, New York; MAD, Museum of Art and Design, New York; Sardella Gallery, Aspen; Tadu Contemporary Art Gallery, Santa Fe, N.M.; and the Carbondale Clay Center among others.

“I see myself as a ‘maker,’” Nelson said. “I can be an inventor, I can be an artist, and I can be a designer, but I just make s— — that’s all I do.”

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