Growing up in a small town in the midwest, Tan Boe (a.k.a Tanner Boesiger) quickly adopted the D.I.Y. mentality. Being surrounded by family who where farmers, carpenters, and musicians; he had an atmosphere that taught him how to be resourceful and encouraged expression. These influences have contributed to his curiosity and fascination with accessible materials and exploring many different methods of making.
His career has spanned the graphic design and advertising industries, where he's held roles as an illustrator, photographer, video editor, and creative director, and now serves as an art director. In addition to his full-time work, Tan Boe has also worked as a freelance creative and adjunct instructor, and is currently a candidate in the master's of fine arts program at the School of Art Institute of Chicago.
Artist Statement (of current explorations)
Through constructing functional sculptures with common and accessible materials, Tan Boe investigates how we interact with our surroundings considering object, function, and space. Pulling inspiration from furniture design and architecture, he looks to intersect art and design, striking a balance of form and function. With a key focus of materiality, he often incorporates found and salvaged items. Tan Boe finds that the inherent quiddity of these materials, their history and essence, contributes unique characteristics that add to the articulated expression of the finished piece.