James Betts

As a maker I am drawn to natural and psychological phenomena. In my work, I address and analyze ideas of recognition, and curiosity, an integral part of our human experience. With this in mind, I create wearable and functional objects that convey a sense of ambiguity; suggested imagery and tactical sensations cause the wearer or observer to question; what could this be? This body of work in particular addresses the idea of pareidolia; the tendency for humans to perceive imagery or familiar objects in otherwise abstract forms. For instance, seeing shapes in clouds, seeing faces in inanimate objects or recognizing images in abstract patterns. Every viewer’s response to the work will be different; prior experiences and memories affect the observer’s response, and create varying interpretations. Using materials such as silicone, reactive pigments, and electroformed metals, I create a three dimensional and multi-sensory experience, which is essentially my own interpretation of a Rorschach test. The end result is an engaging experience between the viewer and the object, which continues to raise questions long after the interaction.
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