Enter the world of Seth Birch, a passionate emerging artist who chooses materials not only for their longevity, but for their sustainability. Even more than the fact that they eventually return to nature, he likes the way materials impact the meaning of art purely through their use. Sculpture, ceramics, glass, photography, poetry or installation; each offers Seth a unique way of exploring and expressing his emotions.
Seth’s practice is first and foremost about self expression. His art is both introspective and therapeutic. During the artistic process he goes through life’s struggles, expelling darker and violent emotions from his mind. Seth often uses human figures in his work. This provides a mirror in which everyone can recognize themselves, whilst sharing his own journey of healing and self-exploration.
Childhood craft
Originating from a small town in Ohio, USA, Seth’s childhood was marked by the rural environment of the farm he grew up on. He spent most weekends enjoying the freedom to go outside. Drawing inspiration from his uncle who makes birds houses, he used to build things with his brother and cousins. Teepees, duct tape wallets and clothes, and origami were among Seth’s earliest creations. This started his passion for crafts and art. The interdisciplinary artist now makes ceramics with clay, furniture with wood, even wallets and bags with leather.
images by PILOTENKUECHE or supplied by artist
Seth considers his art as a “sensitive satire.” Focusing on themes such as media addiction, he gives a criticism of modern society and the media industry. One of his last pieces was a skull carved out of a block of limestone in which he added soil and a plant. The plant growing embodied a kind of human folly. For his thesis work Consumed, about the consumption of digital media in the modern age, he made two figures of concrete who seemed to be stuck. They couldn’t move because they were being consumed by the media they were watching.
Choosing art
Pushed by his family and teachers Seth attended Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he majored in computer science. After his advisor encouraged him to explore his artistic interests, he began taking all classes related to art. Seth soon realized he didn’t want to spend the rest of his life in front of a screen. He changed his major to art.
Seth’s curiosity leads him to a continual thirst for learning. He embraces a multidisciplinary approach to art, exploring a universe of mediums and techniques. This diversified approach enriches his creative process. In high school Seth participated in the Destination Imagination challenge which is “a creative, team-focused competition.” It consisted of tackling a contemporary topic and its scientific process to then build a structure which has to hold weight while performing a play. This introduced him to stage design in addition to art.
Seth learns from the world
Apart from being an explorer in art and of his mind, Seth also travels a lot. During college he spent one semester in Europe in Freie Universität in Berlin. Passionate about history he travelled around Europe exploring new cities and learning about new cultures. From paved streets of Paris to ancient Greek temples each discovery was a source of inspiration for him and his art practice. Seth thinks being immersed in new cultures is a source of personal enrichment. Every trip is an opportunity for personal growth, a chance to learn from each other’s stories and experiences. PILOTENKUECHE residency is an opportunity for him to learn, share and connect with international artists.
Written by Margot Lallier
Keep up with Seth Birch on his instagram and website.
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Vernissage: Sat 17 Feb 7-10 PM
Open: Sun 18, Fri 23 – Sun 25 4-8PM
Alte Handelsschule
Giesserstr 75
04229 Leipzig
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Vernissage: 16 March 7-10 PM
Open: Sun 17 – Wed 20 March 4-8 PM
PILOTENKUECHE
Franz-Flemming-Str 9
04179 Leipzig