Axel Livingston, an artist born in Aspen, exhibits Soul Bone at the Aspen Collective, his first show since graduating art school in Detroit. He is working in the Aspen Collective Gallery through December 15th on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Go in and say hello. There will also be a closing party late November.
Axel Livingston Artist Statement
I appreciate analyzing moments in nature of spontaneity and anomaly where the natural world evolves, metamorphoses, or mutates. I’m inspired by the complexity and near-perfect symbiosis found in nature. I enjoy combing through areas looking for the physical manifestations of this dynamic. Interesting bones, stones, and driftwood are usually the embodiments. These found treasures often act as the “soul bone” of my creations. I truly believe it is impossible to truly recreate raw organic beauty. So instead, I aim to activate and channel these treasures often by marrying them with other materials. Concocting a piece which praises the organic and metamorphoses the artificial to a place that nods to the symbiosis of nature.
Processes such as glassblowing, metalwork, and more are utilized to achieve this. These media inform the pieces furthermore by engaging scrap materials extracted from waste sites, which effectively breathe new life into them. Materials that have been discarded are reincarnated through these wonderful processes. Emotional healing properties associated with these media are met with the ecological healing properties of repurposing waste, intentionally breaking the ecological rift. That occurs when resources are extracted and processed, then used and discarded for good. Instead, these discards are re focused, often physically melted down back into a new state of being. Intentionally more conducive to the reciprocal ways of the natural world. For example, I have participated in many iron pours where the material came from discarded cast iron radiators. These are broken into manageable pieces and then melted at 2500 degrees in a cupola. The molten metal is cast in liquid form and solidified into a new state of being.
My creations are intended to exist similarly to that of an amulet or charm, an object ascribed with peace and environmental celebration. Interaction with these pieces should be an experience of relaxation and earth contemplation. Oftentimes, people can not care for and protect elements they are not familiar with. Hopefully, these pieces can help reconnect people with the natural world and serve as a conduit to the infinite earth essence that, unfortunately, seems to be more and more suffocated. Similar to how the sun shines on the soul bone, these creations should too. Materials are alchemized to produce a sacred presence, omitting a glow which reflects that of the soul when immersed in the embrace of a natural landscape.
Axel Livingston Artist Bio
Born (11/04/01) In the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado Axel Livingston is an artist predominantly working in Metalwork, Glass Blowing, Assemblage sculpture and more. Axel studied Fine Arts at CCS in Detroit and has exhibited solo and group shows in Detroit, Aspen, and Zimbabwe. He is focused on creating art which serves to reflect Sacred Earth Elements Balanced by art which grasps the veil of Consumer Culture and Capitalism.
What excites you most about exhibiting at Aspen Collective Gallery?
The most exciting part of exhibiting with the Aspen Collective Gallery, is the overwhelming sense of family and community. I have been working with DJ and the gallery since I was eighteen, over the years I have come to understand the vast interconnectivity that place has within the valley and beyond. It is really a community pillar, and a historical archive preserving art and artifacts from key eras of this town. Along with being a rare cannon for local and up-coming artists such as myself to be seen and appreciated.
Do you have a favorite piece in the show? If so, what makes it stand out to you?
My favorite piece is probably “Sunshrine”. The experience creating it was an adventure and a learning experience of marrying glass and metal together. I was really trying to channel the essence of the sun, and I’m happy with where that took me with this piece. I think “Sunshrine” has a special presence and beckons a similar feeling to that of sun bathing.
What do you hope someone unfamiliar with your practice understands about nature or waste after encountering your work for the first time?
I hope someone unfamiliar with my work would possibly feel a spiritual connection to nature and a mindfulness about waste and the systems which created it after encountering my work. Hopefully, to at least be interested about the transformation a lot of the material endured, going from waste to something I feel is valuable.
Can you walk me through the moment you first started collecting natural objects and realized they could become the foundation of your art?
My parents will tell you I have always been doing it. One of my favorite things growing up and still is, comes from searching for natural treasures. One time I found an interesting rock in a stream in Old Snowmass. I was sure it was a dinosaur gizzard, so we took it to a rock shop and the specialist said it might be. I was probably ten or eleven at the time so that could’ve been a white lie to keep morale high. Anyways, it worked and I continued looking for things everywhere I went. It wasn’t for a while until I realized I actually wanted to make art out of these treasures, I think this is partially due to me feeling like they were complete on their own and didn’t need any adornment. Eventually I recognized the significance these treasures could have in my own pieces and I started using them. Oftentimes they are one of the smallest elements of a piece but arguably one of the most important. I place them and the piece enlivens, that is where the idea of the soul bone came from. It is a great feeling combining your own labour and creation with something that was created by, oftentimes, millennials of earth elements.
Date: Friday, October 17, 2025 – Wednesday, November 26, 2025
Opening reception: Friday, October 17, 2025, 6:00 – 10:00 pm
