Jello 101

Liz Hickok : San Francisco in Jello Series
Do you dig the Jello?

This San Francisco artist has had a controversial bout of success in the industry, with a flurry of media tracking her recent work with an unusual medium. Jello anyone? No longer just for dessert, apparently. With appearances on television, radio station interviews, and journalist coverage over the last three years, gallery interest in her work has peaked. Hickok attributed it in one interview to -believe it or not- the public's understanding of Jello. According to her, because her small city models are made of the delicious jiggly confection, it is easier to connect with her audience and communicate her purpose - as gelatin is something all ages and walks of life are familiar with.

What do you think?

The following is an excerpt from the artist's official website:

"Liz Hickok is a San Francisco-based artist working in photography, video, sculpture, installation, and currently, Jell-O. Hickok received her Masters in Fine Arts from Mills College in Oakland, California. She earned a BFA and BA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts. Hickok lived and worked in Boston for over ten years before moving to the Bay Area. Hickok’s artwork has been exhibited across the country and is included in international collections..."

Unfortunately, her artist's statement is a little long for posting. It definitely makes Jello sound pretty exotic. If you have time, read it.

http://www.lizhickok.com/statement.html

The last two sentences was much more helpful in understanding her artistic purpose than the whole rest of the statement page, in my opinion.

Hickok: All About the Details

The Jello models, when complete, perish quickly. However, they are quite elaborate, with little 'mountains' and 'trees', even to the point that she has used dry ice to simulate fog. The molds are carved (often from foam), and then filled and chilled in a large refrigerator until firm. Special molds are customized for the more important, or well-known city landmarks. After finishing the construction of the city, each set is lit from below.

Due to the unreliability of the medium, exhibits of Hickok's work are limited to photography and videos of her results.

For your viewing pleasure, I have included the url for a video done by the artist in which a San Francisco neighborhood is 'flooded', using, what else, but liquid blue Jello masquerading as a tidal wave. Very dramatic.

Also for your consideration, the gripping video known as 'Telegraph Hill Earthquake'.

Available on a DVD of 150 spectacular Jello cities undergoing natural disasters. Definitely a birthday must-have for the kids.

Marina Tidal Wave URL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82buwAhI9Bw

Telegraph Hill Earthquake URL:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtdcd9TBk4U

Watch it wiggle, see it jiggle. Now at friendly neighborhood Hickok retailers in your area.

Please chalk all sarcasm up to final exams.

Comments, Opinions, Anyone?
Tell us what you think, cool kid.