Sculpting with Typewriter Parts: The Art of Jeremy Mayer
Summary
In this article, we explore the unique and intricate sculptures created by artist Jeremy Mayer using only parts from old typewriters. Mayer follows strict creative rules, using only original parts and assembling the sculptures without glue or welding. His process involves sourcing broken typewriters, repairing them, and disassembling them for the necessary components. The resulting sculptures are sought after by collectors and represent a link to the past.
Table of Contents
- The Creative Process
- Anatomical Accuracy and Personality
- Mayer’s Relationship with Typewriters
The Creative Process
Jeremy Mayer is a sculptor who creates detailed sculptures of birds, insects, and people using parts from old typewriters. He follows a strict set of creative rules, using only original parts and making as little modification to them as possible. Mayer spends a lot of time sourcing broken typewriters, repairing them, and disassembling them for the necessary components. He then organizes the parts and assembles them as they were originally designed, without using any glue, tape, or welding.
Mayer’s creative process is time-consuming and can take a year or more to complete a single sculpture. He experiences injuries while working, and he knows a piece is done when it looks and feels right. Despite the difficulties, Mayer finds the process rewarding and enjoys finding hidden treasures in the machines, such as feathers and faces.
Anatomical Accuracy and Personality
Mayer believes that creating anatomically accurate sculptures is a good base for creating a personality for the piece over the top of it. He spends a lot of time assembling and disassembling the parts until the sculpture can stand on its own. The resulting sculptures are sought after by collectors, especially those who work in the tech industry, as it represents a link to the past.
Mayer’s Relationship with Typewriters
Despite working with typewriters for over 20 years, Mayer is not a fan of typing on them. However, he enjoys taking them apart and finding hidden treasures within the machines. Mayer believes that people are interested in typewriters because they feel sorry for them and don’t want to destroy something they may be missing out on. He finds typewriters interesting and not boring, despite not enjoying typing on them.
Conclusion
Jeremy Mayer’s sculptures are a unique and intricate representation of the beauty found in old typewriters. His strict creative rules and time-consuming process result in anatomically accurate sculptures with personality and character. Mayer’s relationship with typewriters may not involve typing, but it is one of appreciation and respect for the hidden treasures within the machines.
