Found Object Friday with Seth Apter
Perfectly Imperfect, Organic, and Time Worn
The Found Object Friday Series:
We artists do love our collections, don’t we? Ever since I was a child, I’ve been drawn to small, curious things—trinkets unearthed at flea markets, foraging for smooth stones and bits of metal on long walks, objects that seem to hum—waiting to share their own stories. Long before I knew what I’d make of them, I gathered these artifacts from the past.
As it turns out, I’m not alone in this. So many artists I admire share this impulse to collect—oddities, treasures, and fragments that make their way into their work or simply live in the studio as quiet companions.
In this ongoing series, I’m thrilled to introduce you to guest artists and the objects they love. Some names you may recognize; others might be new discoveries. Through their responses to a few simple questions, each one offers a peek at their collections and art practices in this virtual show-and-tell: the objects that caught their eye, the stories behind them, and sometimes how they plan to use them in their art or home. Be sure to check out their bios and links to find out more about each artist.
Today’s feature artist is Seth Apter. I first connected with Seth back in the day through our respective blogs. Before artists were able to easily access other artists through places like Instagram and Facebook, we networked through our blogs and Tumblr feeds. Seth’s blog was called The Altered Page (mine was Other People’s Flowers). Through his blog, we were introduced to his own art life, and also to each other’s. Seth was intentional in lifting up the artists in his community, and if you’ve encountered Seth in a workshop or anywhere online, you know this is very much a part of who he is as a human.
Seth was featured in the original Found Object Friday series in March of 2014. Since that time, his art practice has exploded, (not that it wasn’t already well on it’s way). Seth has several mixed media lines and endorsements and a successful business selling his products, workshops, and art. Be sure to check out his bio and links at the end of the post.
Hi Seth, Welcome back!
Do you still have the original object you shared with us in 2014?
I do not. Like many of my found objects, this eventually found its way into an artwork. And this piece was sold and can now be found in somebody else's home.
What object/s are you sharing with us now?
This found object is a rusty metal piece that has been naturally weathered over time. It is deeply embossed with three numbers and some smaller letters. It holds one of the corners of my current studio inspiration board, a 3.5 x 2.5 foot installation that is changed annually
Tell us a little about where you found the object-- was it a gift, a purchase, or something you found?
Sadly I cannot recall where this piece came from. My best guess is that I purchased this at a flea market or antique shop as I do not believe it was found on the street.
Why did it catch your attention?
In general, I love an object that comes to me with a history and that can potentially be used in found object art. But this particular find caught my eye for many additional reasons as well. Every inch of the surface is rusted, which for me is a beautiful thing. The edges are wonky and organic. There are both numbers and letters, each in runs of three - my favorite number in art.
Is there any symbolic or deeper meaning represented in the object?
I think the symbolism relates to the passing of time - a theme that is very prominent in my work. Also the dual notions that imperfections are in fact perfect and that wonkiness is to be embraced.
How has your style as artist and collector evolved since the original series in 2014?
In the last 10 years I have become more connected to organic elements and shapes. This is evident in both my artwork and design, where mark making is now at the core. In 2014, as can be seen in my original choice of found object, much of my work revolved around circles - a very well defined shape. Since that time I have leaned more heavily into the random and the wonky. Makes me wonder where I will be ten years from now.
Thank you Seth! What a delight to get this update and glimpse into your current practice.
Seth Apter’s Bio: I am a mixed media artist, instructor, author, and designer from New York City. I came to the world of art later in life, transitioning from a full-time career as a psychologist to being a full-time artist and maker. My artistic practice is based on the concepts of community and collaboration, and I believe in the power of art to bring people together. My work has been exhibited in multiple exhibitions and can be found in numerous books and national magazines. I have also published two books of his own - The Pulse of Mixed Media and The Mixed-Media Artist- with North Light Books. My love of the creative energy that occurs when artists are brought together has led me to spend a great deal of time teaching workshops - both in person across the world and online. As a designer, I currently have collections with Sizzix, FreeSpirit Fabrics, StencilGirl Products, PaperArtsy, and WOW.
Visit Seth’s website: https://www.sethapter.com
Find Seth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethapter
Seth’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/sethapter
And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/seth.apter
How wonderful to find Seth here! I know him from way back when, and also through blogs. (I think the last time was when he came down to Maryland to give a talk about his artmaking at Artists & Makers Studios.) He's had striking success since his decision to pursue art full-time.
Right away the mentioned rusted object strikes me as part of what was once an auto license plate. I look forward to following Seth's work on Instagram.