Podcast EP3: James Akers - Waver and Hacker Artist

In today’s podcast we’ll be talking with James Akers a Neon Sculptor and self-proclaimed Waver and Hacker Artist.

images from James Akers facebook account

James is an artist, educator, and mad scientist who has a explosive approach to making. Graduating from Alfred University with a BFA in 2015, he is constantly thriving for change, and fascinated by waves of all kinds: sound, light, electricity, he is synthesizing a new mindset: The “Hacker Artist.” James Akers has shown his work internationally, been the recipient of public art commissions and has received numerous awards and grants for his practice. Up until his recent move to Arlington, Texas with his lady Ali Feeney who is pursuing her MFA at UTA, he was teaching neon at the Chrysler Museum of Art, and head processor at Riehl Deal Neon. Currently, pursuing new work and new possibilities in Neon and Plasma. Known for packaging ideas on art and life by creating a series of highly exhibitable electric sculptures.

We’ll look into his transition from ceramics, to glass, and by extension Neon, his unique approach to using neon tube bending with found objects and video installations, and defining what a waver and hacker artist is.

Show Notes

Intro Music: Boost by Jakim Karud
www.joakimkarud.com
https://soundcloud.com/joakimkarud

Outro Music: Re-Entry by Lapse
https://soundcloud.com/lapse

The Intro is boost by Jaokim Karud. Jaokim is a swedish artist who loves to produce chill and happy music, and does so for copyright free use. Be sure to support his music by giving credit when used, subscribing, and or by donation. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Soundcloud, and Spotify.

Images  are linked to @jamesakers2 instagram

• Transition from Ceramics to glass and neon at Alfred University, under Fred Tschida and Sarah Blood
• His Assistantship and work as Contracted Neon Instructor at the Chrysler Museum of Art and how it influece aspect of performance and Neon.
• ​Working as Neon Processor for Riehl Deal Neon 
• Defining the Waver and Hacker Artist:
  • Waver: An artist making work that generatees light, sound, and electrical signals.
  • Hacker Artist: Artist working in a system that they are actively changing.

Thank You for listening to the Taming Lightning Podcast. We have many more guest to come, with future guests returning to expand on questions, practices, and a variety of subjects. I’d like to thank Pittsburgh Glass Center for supporting me as well as encouraging me to pursue this project, and The Plasma Art Alliance, whom many of my guests are connected through. Keep an eye out for next summer’s classes at Pittsburgh Glass Center as we work to provide a space for learning neon and plasma. Also, I’d like to thank James for taking the time to be a guest on the podcast, especially in the midst of his travels, and seltting in at Arlington, Texax. I wish him the best in his job search, and excited for what he makes next!

Feel free to send your questions to this email, share, and comment!

​Thank you, 
​
Percy Echols II 
​Sorcerer Apprentice  ⚡​

www.jamesakers.net

@jamesakers2