Imagine our ancient forbears struggling to invent the wheel. Knowing that it must be round was not so difficult. The technological leap was putting a hole in the center and using it in conjunction with a non-rotating axle. Further refinements followed – high quality lubricants and needle bearings. The objects you see here are part of this same tradition of technological innovation and adaptation.

Conventional wisdom holds that Necessity is the mother of Invention. When this is the case, the innovation will fill a specific, identified need. When University of Alaska students developed a microchip imprinted with the University of Alaska Seal, the project served primarily as a learning exercise. To provide an additional pragmatic context, it was designed to function as a heart rate monitor. Any technological result might have a less utilitarian application when Invention is preceded by its evil stepmother, Desire. The Alaska quartz gem serves only to dazzle the viewer with reflected light.

Human nature being what it is, Process is seldom a means to developing purely singular or even useful ends. A heart rate monitor does not need a logo to function, but like the raised, white letters on our car tires, this microscopic decoration is an embellishment and possesses a different purpose all its own.

View a list of participants from Made in Fairbanks

Guest Curators - read their statements:
Steve Bouta, Developing Invention
James Brashear, Ceramics
Jean Carlo, Native Arts
Wanda Chin, Multimedia
Peggy Ferguson, Performing Arts
Jennifer Jolis, Food Products
Len Kamerling, Filmmaking
John Manthei, Wood
Barry McWayne, Commercial Photography
David Mollett, Visual Applied Arts
Connie Page, Wood
Todd Sherman, Visual Applied Arts
Glen Simpson, Metal
Frank Soos, Writing
Suzanne Summerville, Ph.D., Music
Penny Wakefield, Fiber Works

Return to the Made in Fairbanks introduction.

Exhibitions