In the past 5 years, artist and videomaker Nathaniel Lieb created over 150 chewing gum sculptures while recovering his dexterity after breaking both of his wrists. The gum sculptures were made using only his mouth, teeth, palate, and tongue.
“I like physical actions to define my sculpture. I find the direct connection makes the work less about me specifically and more about our shared humanity. I do what we all do,” he says.
“After the gum has lost flavor, I free sculpt it in my mouth. I try to avoid running themes. These wads reveal how my mind plays. I have realized any odd wad is as valid as more carefully sculpted forms. Making the glass vitrines gives me something to do while I use up the flavor.”
Lieb earned a BFA in Sculpture from Syracuse University and an MFA in Sculpture from Brooklyn College. He has exhibited his work in galleries throughout New York, Massachusetts, Maine, and New Jersey. He resides in Eldred, NY and Brooklyn, NY.
And he doesn’t particularly like chewing gum.
Acknowledgements
The activities of the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance are made possible in part by a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support from the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
