Translucent, internally illuminated works twirl unevenly about their axes. Objects and machines are combined and experimented with to create new machines with uncertain functions. Common materials, plastic barrels in this case, are diverted from their normal task. Reshaped and stripped of their obvious function, they become tools used to manipulate the environment. The new creations spin forward and recede, pull inward and cast shadows.
Subversion is at play.
Woodfill's drawings subvert, too, this time subverting the precision of the computer. Perfectly geometric shapes become organic and amorphous as he takes advantage of the computer and plotter plus the computer's internal calculations and rounding of numbers. James Woodfill is currently Special Instructor in Sculpture at the Kansas City Art Institute. A 1980 graduate of the Kansas City Art Institute, he is widely recognized for his work in sculpture and film. His work has recently been exhibited in Chicago, Austin and New Orleans, as well as numerous Kansas City showings.