Artist Statement

E. Banker White and Daphne Ruff returned to the Artist-in-Residence Program for a special engagement to redesign the musical instruments and costumes for Recology's Recycled Instrument Band (a.k.a. "La Banda Basura") on January 15, 2002. The Recycled Instrument Band performs at some San Francisco parades.

Photos of this artist's work:

• Flickr
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Visit Banker White's web site at www.refugeeallstars.org.

Cypress Arch

Holly Hoover with paintings

Statement

Banker White with Roger, August 2000

The ability to adapt in order to express one's self most effectively, to convey ideas clearly, and to be sensitive to how an audience is receiving your information are the key elements of being both an artist and being a teacher. I like blurring the lines between these disciplines and have always considered myself both because I have worked as both. But also because what motivates me is my desire to maintain a balance of personal experience and inspiration (which I derive from this experience), with sharing and active social exchange.

Focus

In fact, one of my greatest sources of inspiration is the energy of social interaction itself. I also think it is a fascinating time to investigate what kind of interactions exist today. With communication and technology advancements, not only are different types of interactions available, but also the ease and speed at which ideas are communicated and shared, both over long distance and cross culturally, is both exciting and terrifying. Most simply stated, my work attempts to encourage mediation on human social interactions. Because of this, a lot of my work is both performative and interactive. I like to engage an audience through interaction, so scale, human presence, and often times both sound and music, have become very important to me.

Banker White was the Artist-in-Residence at Recology San Francisco from April 18 to August 4, 2000.