Each issue was a larger box to hold the previous issues and be used as the medium or documentation of each assignment. A Part / Apartacted as an instigator of art making amidst a group of geographically separated people.
Assignment instructions were mailed and to be completed at the collaborator's own pace and discretion. These private (Apart) assignments were complimented with live (A Part) events that included informal Talent Shows. Unfortunately, the continuation of this publication and series of events was cut short due to a relocation to NYC in 2008.
The dichotomy of the cardboard box as an empty container and a potential canvas is inherent to the guiding concept of A Part / Apart:
the fundamental paradox of shared experience creating our agreement of reality despite each individual's inability to "get outside of their own head".
"I want fulfillment in process. I want to reign in the overwhelming goals and desires for completion, perfection and commodity. I want to balance the sacred object with the material experience. I want to put everything and nothing into a box and seal it. I want to feel connected to a community of artists despite my commitment to solitary making. I want to use the simplest means possible for the most honest and direct expression. I want to create mystery from everyday materials. I want to do labor for concept. I want concept to labor for action.
I want to be apart and a part.
If you want to too..."
- DL 2007
Conceptually the same, A Part / Apart is revived in 2010 as a mode of object/garment/accessory making and communal experience.
*See History: Openclothed page for info and images of the clothing line pre-dating A Part / Apart
