Lloyd Hamrol Reflects on CalArts' Early 1970s Era and His Woven Cone Sculpture
In the early 1970s, artist Lloyd Hamrol reminisces about his experiences at CalArts in Valencia, CA, where he encountered various institutional and financial obstacles. In 1973, he collaborated with students to create Woven Cone, a teepee-like rope sculpture, which was taken down in the summer of 2007 due to termite infestations. After the stock market crash in 1971, the school altered its admission criteria to favor paying students. Hamrol focused on alternative approaches to traditional art through initiatives like the Environmental Workshop, engaging in community projects in Van Nuys and MacArthur Park. Students contributed by collecting redwood saplings for Woven Cone, which deteriorated over 33 years. Inspired by the Feminist Art Program, Hamrol navigated his own artistic journey amidst the movement's intensity. Audrey Chan's essay was published on February 14, 2008.
Key facts
- Lloyd Hamrol and students built Woven Cone in 1973 at CalArts in Valencia, CA
- Woven Cone was dismantled in summer 2007 due to termite infestation
- CalArts' endowment collapsed in 1971 after a stock market adjustment
- Hamrol taught at CalArts during the early 1970s, focusing on alternative art practices
- Hamrol's projects included community engagements in Van Nuys and Los Angeles
- The Feminist Art Program was active at CalArts during this period
- Hamrol contrasted his work with land-based conceptual artists like Robert Smithson and Michael Heizer
- The essay was written by Audrey Chan and published on February 14, 2008
Entities
Artists
- Lloyd Hamrol
- Audrey Chan
- Robert Smithson
- Michael Heizer
- Judy Chicago
Institutions
- CalArts
- School of Art
- Feminist Art Program
- Environmental Workshop
- Afterall
Locations
- Valencia
- California
- United States
- Villa Cabrini
- Van Nuys
- Mendocino County
- Los Angeles
- MacArthur Park
- New York City
- New Jersey
Sources
- Afterall —