Dave Cole

Dave Cole- Contemporary American Sculptor born in New Hampshire in 1975. Cole deals with controversial themes and unique construction techniques and often places his subject matter in a violent context to create shock.

Cole deconstructs the process of knitting itself by utilizing unlikely materials, such as extension cords and shredded American dollars in place of wool, and poles and fork lifts in place of needles. While we associate many of his materials (i.e. kevlar, shotguns, iron, and fiberglass) with pain, aggression, and violence, themes of comfort and domesticity often dominate his sculptures.

Cole’s work simultaneously evokes tension and humor. Visual puns are common, for example in Money Dress and Electric Blanket, as are flags and symbols of war. The domestic process of knitting is often exaggerated or made hyper-masculine.*

* From Spinhandspun Designs Blog

Dress made of shredded dollar bills !!!

"Knitting with Loaded Shotguns (Safties Off)," 2008, spun statuary bronze with 12 gauge shotguns, 72" x 66" x 10".

The Knitting Machine, comprising two excavators specially fitted with massive 20' knitting needles, was one part of a three-part exhibition of Cole's work at the MASS MoCA museum.

Electric blanket