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Christian Benefiel cv | statement

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As an artist I find it hard to write an all encompassing paragraph that accurately describes my entire body of work. I often feel as if I work as an inventor would, if that inventor were so inclined to make art. Working in different directions as inspiration leads me, I see a body of work as a problem with several solutions, some more elegant than others. The work I create is intended to be inviting and challenging at the same time. The materials I use are often chosen to deconstruct the precious or sacred attributes commonly associated with the gallery space. In conjunction with this I often try to incorporate an imperative action on the part of the viewer. While the pieces often rest on a principle aesthetic, the true impact of the piece is often brought about through direct, often tactile interaction on behalf of the observer. The material is meant to be touched, the balance meant to be disturbed and each success should be challenged. Ideally, each piece lives a sort of static life, until the viewer, either voluntarily or involuntarily sets off its full potential.

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education
2008
MFA University of Maryland, College Park MD
2004
BFA East Carolina University, Greenville NC
professional background
2007
Program Coordinator, Pirkkala Sculpture 2007, Pirkkala, Finland. (Directed student workshop in metal casting, assisted in direction of large-scale sculpture symposium.)
2007
Studio Technician, Estonian Academy of Art (maintained equipment, renovated facilities, basic instruction in metal and wood working, mold making, basic translation.) Tallinn, Estonia
2007
Instructor of Record, University of Maryland, ARTT 110 Intro to Drawing, winter term.
2006-2008
Teaching Assistant, University of Maryland, (Steel Sculpture, Metal Casting, Wood Design, Mixed Media)
2006
Internship, Franconia Sculpture Park. (large scale sculpture handling/installation, Instruction for youth workshops.)
2004-2005
Production Manager, Earthtones Pottery studio. (oversaw production, product design, taught classes, maintained equipment and supplies.
awards/grants
2007
Goldhaber Travel Grant. University of Maryland, College Park MD
2006-2008
Graduate Teaching Assitantship. Sculpture, University of Maryland
2006
Daniel Nicholson Ohlke Memorial Fund Award..  
 
Sadat Center for Peace and Reconciliation Award (purchase).  
2005
Graduate Assistantship. The Art Gallery, University of Maryland.
2004
Graduation Award for Excellence in the Field of Sculpture. East Carolina University
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