The Witkovs outside their Bucktown gallery, 360SEE

I first visited 360SEE in the fall of 2009 while shopping for a client who wanted to have that elusive pièce de résistance for his living room. He wanted something that house guests would be drawn to, “like a moth to light,” so that he could tell its back story, opening up dialogue and sparking conversation. He also wanted the piece to have been made in good conscience, i.e. sustainable. As it turned out, Jordan Witkov’s Bucktown gallery was my client’s proverbial candy store, with magnetically strange, beautiful, functional, and sustainably made pieces alike. Jordan (and his pooch, Homer) greeted us at the door, welcomed us with a firm handshake and a smile, and proceeded to give us a tour, telling us the sometimes funny but always fascinating stories behind each piece. I recently caught up with Jordan to get his story, and to see what’s new at 360SEE:

Matter Observed: Jordan, tell us a little about your background and your motivation to start 360SEE.

Jordan: I received my BFA with a dual degree in painting and printmaking and electronic based media from Carnegie Mellon University. I have spent my professional career working in and around galleries, sales, as a graphic designer / art director, and in visual merchandising.

'Menagerie of the Obsolete' By Jennifer Khoshbin (2010)

My motivation to start 360SEE was fueled by my passion for art and design but also by doing something that had never been done before. While there are numerous fine art and functional galleries throughout the world, 360SEE differs in that all of the artists and designers that exhibit through the gallery address various levels of sustainable practice in their work.

Matter Observed: Being a close observer to the art/design world, have you seen any notable changes in the Chicago art/design scene over the last 5 years? If so, what do you think are the reasons for this change?

Jordan: I think that the recent rise of apartment galleries, pop-up galleries, and art and design collectives have changed opportunities for Chicago area artists and designers. In the last couple years, otherwise unrented and inexpensive spaces have given birth to many more opportunities, especially for young or early career artists in Chicago.

'Tired Lounge' By Leo Kempf (2010)

Matter Observed: More opportunities means more artists, which is always good for Chicago’s cultural scene. But as consumers of art/design, how does one go about starting to collect? This is a fairly common question we hear from some of our younger clients at Matter & Order. Are there any insider tips to remember when looking for and purchasing a piece?

Jordan: First, buy what you love! It doesn’t matter if it is a $.50 purchase at a flea market, a thousand dollar purchase at a gallery, or if you are jumping in with both feet as a blue-chip art and design collector – if you don’t love it, what’s the point of having it?

It is good to work with a gallery or professional that you trust. However, while interior designers, art consultants, or gallerists can tell you why they think a work is good, important, and why it makes sense in your design scheme – if you don’t want to look at it every day, it doesn’t make you smile, trigger a memory, evoke an emotion, and so on – wait to find a piece that does.

'RD-4 Legs Limited Edition' By COHDA (2007)

You should always buy quality pieces that you will want to keep over time. I often find young collectors, both in age and experience, say they are looking for a painting that would fit a perfect spot in their rental, or 1.5 bedroom condo, or that matches their red couch. While these can be valid concerns, I like to pose the following questions to new collectors:

How long are you going to live in that rental property? Do you plan on still living in that condo 5 years from now? And, is that the last couch you will ever own?

Unlike the typical answers to those questions – “not long” or “no” – a piece of art, a well designed piece of functional art or furniture is something that can be enjoyed beyond a single home and upholstery color choice, often over the course of a lifetime or even generations.

Matter Observed: Of all the incredible art and designed objects you’ve housed at 360SEE over the years, what has been your favorite piece?

'Robot' By David Todd Trost (2010)

Jordan: My favorite piece at the gallery right now, and maybe of all time, is the nearly 4′ tall “Robot” by Chicago artist David Todd Trost. Trost’s terracotta robot stands 46″ tall with a wing span of 41″ wide and a girth of 14″ deep. The piece is impressive in its own right, with a combination of thrown, slab and coil, and cast ceramic techniques – but the robot is also functional. The interior of the bowl shaped hips holds a 10″ speaker wired for sound with a 1/8″ jack that runs into a small Ephiphone amp from which you can hook up an ipod, stereo, or even your guitar.

Matter Observed: Tell us about your current exhibit, Doorbusters, which runs through the the middle of January (1/16/11).

Doorbusters

Jordan: The show, which does not have to be dissected to be enjoyed, was constructed to be layers of thought upon playful and approachable work. Each artist created work that referenced their memories of childhood holiday consumerism, and consumerism in general. However, at the same time the artist participating (and all artist that show through 360SEE) are conscious of the impact of man, and in some way focuses their art making practice within the confines of more sustainable media.

Matter Observed: So, what is next on tap at 360SEE?

Jordan: Funk-tion. You’ll just have to stay tuned!

Matter Observed: Lastly, and just for fun, Matter Observed would like to know the answers to the following:

Last author read: Don Rickles “Rickles’ Book – A Memoir”
Last song heard: “My Life is Right” by Big Star just came on
Last food consumed: A banana and 2 clementines
Last drink imbibed: Gingersnap tea (it is before 5pm)

Matter Observed: Jordan, thank you for your time.

Jordan: Thanks for your interest in 360SEE.

You can visit Jordan’s gallery and see what we’re talking about for yourself.

360SEE is at 1924 North Damen Avenue in Chicago M-Sa 10-7, Su 10-2pm or by Appointment / 773.698.6340