JEREMY BLAIR

Artist JEREMY BLAIR is no stranger to overstepping his personal boundaries. His recent work includes the creation of mobiles using unique and non-traditional materials. Always the scavenger when it comes to collecting his artistic resources, Blair loves exploring uncharted territory. Check out five things that inspire and interest him to create.

Avant-garde Art. Rebellion is what founded this country, and it's what brings life to new forms of expression. The Dada and Neo-Dada art movements fascinate me. I would love to be a part of a new wave or art movement. But since so many different types of art have been put out there, it's hard to start a rebellion these days.

Chuck Palahniuk. His novels inspire me to be a modern Renaissance man. The elaborate collection of eclectic beauty, irony, comedy and tragedy has a strong connection with me.

Risk-Taking. When studying in Europe in 2005, I took many risks that I would have never taken in the U.S. The experiences I had sleeping for days in bowling alleys and on park benches in France, sneaking onto trains in Munich and going to German raves really opened my mind. I've found that spontaneity is the key. I'm not afraid to be unusual, because it can turn into something remarkable.

Hardware Stores. A couple times a week, I go to the hardware store and just walk up and down the aisles. My mind races with project ideas about what I could do with certain materials such as light bulbs, doorknobs, insulation, tubing and chain.

Teaching. I love the discovery factor children still have when they are young. As a male teacher, I take on a unique role model status that inspires me beyond words and I happen to be really good at kickball.

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Articulations offers five things important to one of Cincinnati's visual artists. To be considered, contact Jacquelyn Vaughn, jvaughn@citybeat.com.