NOMAD – Fact Sheet 2015

Play on words…
NOMAD acronym –
Narrative,
Odyssey,
Manifesting,
Artistic,
Dreams

Sight & Vision…
I’ve been a working artist for at least 40 yrs. I began to lose my central eyesight in my twenties, due to a genetic form of Macular Degeneration. This condition is a form of non correctable “partial blindness”, but is also defined as low vision or visually impaired and legally blind. Although this affected my eyesight it pushed my creative vision to new depths, requiring me to change from being a realist illustrator to an assemblage sculptor.

The Dwelling…
“NOMAD”, is an assemblage artwork that functions as a dwelling and is mobile. It’s practice reflects the ideas and actions of “social sculpture”. As a portrait of Home it inspires viewers to remember, to think and to feel a call and response to action. It’s mobility commands freedom. It’s porch evokes storytelling.

Inspiration…
It’s creation was inspired by my personal and family story through a cultural legacy. It is an intimate yet epic portrait. My initial exploration, design and preparation took almost 4 years, based on a 30 year dream. The construction of the NOMAD took 3 years.

Work in process…
The raw building construction took place at the Anawalt Lumber and Materials business located in Montrose Ca, and for the finish work it was returned to be sheltered within their large lumberyard stock barn, during the rainy season.

From A to Z…
Another worksite was the Zorthian Ranch in Altadena CA., where the exterior metal siding and welding work required an open setting during the spring and summer. The construction required many additional hands and skills, I engaged both hired and volunteer crews to assist me in the various stages of construction and finish work.

Wearing many hats…
As the artist/builder, not only did I have the hands on demands of the process of construction but I also had the responsibility to manage the additional assistance, the volunteers, the funding and donation sources and the research to acquire the materials and hardware. And of course all aesthetic decisions.

The title…
Since the construction of the NOMAD has been completed the NOMAD is no longer a “project” but is now a life “practice”, so it’s title is just the “NOMAD”. As a way of life the Nomad is defined as a “bird of passage” and for me my ancestral roots recognize the beauty and homage to nature that this term brings. To me “all who wander are not lost”.

Public practice…
As a function of its mobile nature the NOMAD becomes a nomadic artist in residence when invited as a guest by arts organizations, cultural centers, museums, communities or educational campuses.

Open (air) Studio…
However the NOMAD is not a formal studio or workspace. That process will take place in physical form outside of the structure mostly where the materials and objects will be found. These site specific works will be documented while in process and then left in their sites to be discovered by chance.

Footprint…
The NOMAD is not made entirely with reclaimed materials, however it’s ecologically small footprint created a durable structure for the concept and design that was inspired by salvaged, found and repurposed materials. Each piece became a narrative metaphor which featured simple beauty and design and could be applied as full or multi functional components. At approx. 140 sq. ft. the Nomad’s footprint is equally small.

The pulling vehicle…
A 1950 Ford F5 ex- tow truck that now has a boxed in bed, will be the truck to pull the NOMAD ultimately, but it is currently still a work in process. Due to my eyesight I do not drive,
Ultimately I will find someone with the skills and experience to facilitate my cross country journey.
But before I begin my journey on the road, my street travel Is through a collaboration with Emily Hopkins of Side Street Projects a mobile wood workshop that brings the art of woodworking to primary schools, so currently the organization’s truck and drivers accommodate my local travel.

Review…
Thank you for reviewing this information, if you have any questions you may contact me using the form on the contact page.
Also current HR photos are available upon request.
All photos must show photographers credits if used in publication.

Reference…
Please refer to this information only, for it is the most current and accurate statement written by the artist, Dominique Moody 2015.