An Inspiring Visit from Representative Rob Nosse to Art at the Geode

by Martin Eichinger

Martin Eichinger and Representative Rob Nosse speaking at Art at the Geode

A Warm Welcome to a Social Change Advocate

This week, we had the privilege of welcoming Representative Rob Nosse to Art at the Geode for an afternoon filled with conversation and exploration. Rob, who has represented Oregon’s HD 42 since 2014, is recognized for his deep commitment to social change. His focus lies particularly in behavioral health, housing, and LGBTQ+ rights. His visit provided a valuable opportunity to discuss the interconnection of art, policy, and community.

Rob’s legislative work has been transformative. As Vice Chair of the House Behavioral Health Care Committee, he has played a pivotal role in directing significant funding into behavioral health initiatives. Under his leadership on the Ways and Means Committee, Rob has helped channel over one billion dollars into these critical areas. This investment is one of the largest we have seen in decades.

Addressing Portland's Challenges Together

During our engaging conversation, Rob shared illuminating insights into the challenges faced by Portland. The city faces many issues, from housing shortages to addiction crises. Rob emphasized that thoughtful collaboration among various stakeholders can foster the necessary change. This collaboration can ultimately lead to innovative solutions addressing the pressing problems faced by our community.

At Art at the Geode, we firmly believe that art has a unique power to connect people. It can inspire creative solutions to complex problems. Rob echoed this sentiment, expressing his support for strengthening the arts ecosystem in Oregon. He recognizes the vital role art plays in shaping vibrant, resilient communities. His views align closely with ours—that creativity and innovation are instrumental in confronting the challenges our city faces today.

A Tour of Artistic Exploration

During his visit, Rob enjoyed a comprehensive tour of the gallery. He delved into the creative process behind our work, which ranges from intricate bronze sculptures to experimental polymer resin art. The tour showcased the blend of craftsmanship and vision that defines our artistic space.

Rob's curiosity and sincere engagement served as a reminder of the importance of having leaders who understand and champion the value of the arts. His presence at Art at the Geode symbolized the significance of arts advocacy in legislative discussions.

The Power of Art in Creating Change

As Portland looks towards its future, conversations with leaders like Rob Nosse inspire us. His steadfast dedication to equity, community, and creative solutions resonates deeply with the values we uphold at Art at the Geode. We know that art can be a powerful catalyst for change. It can bring communities together, sparking dialogue and promoting understanding.

Rob’s insights during his visit reinforced our belief that art is not just decorative but a critical element in addressing societal issues. It can stimulate conversations, initiate movements, and create empathy. When art becomes entwined with policy and community discussions, it can lead to transformative outcomes.

We are grateful for the time Rob spent with us at Art at the Geode. His insights and commitment to enhancing Portland’s livability for all exemplify the kind of leadership we aspire to foster in our community. As we continue our efforts, we look forward to maintaining this important dialogue about the role of art in societal change.

Moving Forward Together

In conclusion, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Rob for his visit. We appreciate the time he took to engage with us and share his vision for a better Portland. Art at the Geode remains dedicated to being a space where creativity meets social responsibility. We hope to welcome Rob back soon to continue exploring the intersection of art, policy, and community.

Thank you once again, Rob, for your insights and your unwavering commitment to making Portland a better place for all. Let’s keep this important conversation going!

Art, Space, and Epoxy: Martin Eichinger at the Reno Tahoe International Art Show

by Martin Eichinger

At the Reno Tahoe International Art Show, I had the chance to showcase my latest work alongside some truly talented artists. Walking through the exhibition hall, it was inspiring to see the range of pieces—from sculpture to painting to craft—and to connect with artists who bring such unique perspectives to their work.

I joined Varvàra Fern on a panel discussion on “AI and Sculpture” earlier in the day, a sculptor with a strong narrative in her pieces. She dives into themes like fairy tales and trauma, blending her past experiences with mythic storytelling.

Karl Lansing also spoke, touching on the irreplaceable human element in art. He’s right: there’s something we deliver through our hands and our craft that AI just can’t replicate.

Showing the translucency of Amorphous Polymer to a visitor of our booth.

At my own booth, I displayed a new series of epoxy polymer sculptures, inspired by space and the James Webb Space Telescope. I call them “Amorphous Polymer,” and their abstract forms reflect the universe’s vastness.

The pieces are all two-sided, each face offering something different, a nod to the dynamic energy in space that I wanted to capture.

Left to right: The Edge of Nova, Nebula Explosion, Out of The Void

One piece, Nebula Explosion, captures the burst of a star factory, a scene of immense power and scale. It served as the inspiration for a large polycarbonate display that was suspended above the booth. I’ve always been drawn to working with polycarbonate and epoxy, tough and versatile materials that let me explore layers, textures, and new technologies.

A polycarbonate reproduction of Nebula Explosion for the Reno Tahoe International Art Show 2024

This shift from bronze to epoxy has been an interesting evolution for me. I displayed one bronze at RTIA just to show the history of my work, but I’m embracing this newer medium, especially in expressing the cosmic theme. There’s something about space that compels me—the mystery, the infinite scale—and I try to bring that into each piece.

We had a great show with strong interest from collectors and artists alike. Once this work returns to Portland, it’ll be back on display at Art at the Geode Gallery, where I hope it continues to invite people to explore and wonder about the universe.

Can AI Sculpt the Soul of Art?

Reno Tahoe International Art Show 2024 - Panel on the impact of AI on Sculpture

I recently had the privilege of joining a panel discussion at the Reno Tahoe International Art Festival, expertly hosted by Lance Glasser, who guided us through a deep dive into the impact of AI on sculpture. It was a fascinating and important conversation, one that delved into how this rapidly evolving technology might affect the future of our fine art form. As a sculptor who has spent decades honing my skills, I’ve been thinking a lot about how AI might influence the work we do, both creatively and commercially.

The panel featured some incredibly talented artists, including Adrian Landon, Varvàra Fern, and Karl Lansing. Each brought their own perspective on AI’s potential to change the art world. One of the key themes of our discussion was whether AI threatens the authenticity of our art or if it can serve as a useful tool to enhance the creative process.

Left to right: Martin Eichinger and Karl Lansing speak on the impact of AI on Sculpture at RTIA 2024

On AI’s Role in Art

Most of the collectors I speak with say they’d lose confidence in an artist’s integrity if they discovered AI was heavily involved in creating the work. That sentiment stuck with me. There’s a trust between the artist and the collector, and I worry that AI might undermine that trust. For me, great art comes from a unique vision, one that AI can’t replicate because it only looks backward, not forward.

Karl Lansing’s Concerns

Karl raised a valid concern about where the line is drawn between an artist’s work and the machine’s contribution. He explained how he could physically alter a sculpture, like

repositioning a moose, but AI might one day be able to do that with the click of a button. As he said, “At what point do I ask myself, is that my creation, or is that a machine creating it for me?” His fear is that the art loses its life when AI handles the heavy lifting.

Left to right: Adrian Landon and Varvàra Fern speaking on the impact of AI on Sculpture at RTIA 2024

Varvàra Fern’s Perspective

Varvàra had an interesting take. She’s used AI as a tool, but primarily as a reference, like a virtual assistant. As she put it, “I don’t think I would ever ask AI to generate work for me because I want to do it myself. It’s the fun part. I don’t want to give it to somebody else.” She emphasized that AI can speed up some of the more tedious processes, like tweaking proportions, but it can never replace the joy of creation for her.

Adrian Landon’s Call for Transparency

Adrian echoed a concern many of us have about honesty in the art world. He argued that there should be regulations around disclosing how much AI is used in creating a piece. “There should be some standards... It should be labeled to what percentage is the final product aided by AI or not.” For Adrian, it’s about allowing buyers to make informed decisions about the value and authenticity of the work.

Final Thoughts

What I walked away with from this discussion is the belief that AI is a tool—but a tool that requires careful consideration. I’m skeptical that AI can ever truly create “great” art, but I acknowledge that it has its place in the creative process. As artists, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our work remains authentic and true to our vision, even as technology advances.

A special thanks to Lance Glasser for organizing and moderating this insightful panel. His thoughtful guidance helped us navigate a complex topic and explore how AI might shape the future of sculpture.

What do you think—can AI ever truly create great art, or will it always require the hand and vision of a human?