PROFILE
(^114) | APRIL 2016
NICK CAVE
A BLANKET STATEMENT
TO WITNESS ONE OF NICK CAVE’S SOUNDSUITS IS TO
immediately understand the mission of the Whirling Dervish
whose focus is on the universal values of love and service.
Motivated to “think in a magical way,” Cave has made
hundreds of the Soundsuits, mostly from found objects, as
he brings them to life as vehicles of sound and movement.
Now the artists gives voice to the residents of Shreveport
Common, nine blocks of “uncommon cultural development,”
where he has worked with local Louisiana artists who share
their techniques with clients of four social service agencies
to create beaded blankets for those seeking shelter and job
skills. Literally making what he calls a Blanket Statement,
he hopes to swaddle them with love, comfort and safety.
Artists, sculptor and dancer Nick Cave might seem too good
to be real, but I talked to him, and he’s making it happen.
Gwynned Vitello: I understand that, as one seven children,
you wore hand-me-downs and made some “interventions”
so the clothing had your own style. What were the
influences that gave you ideas to adapt a T-shirt and pair
of pants?
Nick Cave: I’ve always been surrounded by creative energy,
and as a young kid, I was always a maker. My grandfathers
were carpenters and my aunt was an amazing seamstress.
My brother Jack is also an artist, and we’re all very close.
Being into dance and the art club, I told my mother, and we
found these avenues of interest.
How did your childhood create someone who is
able to give expression to inner feelings and embrace
the world?
I was always thinking and taking the creative side
seriously. My mom appreciated our efforts and allowed
this freedom of expression, though the bottom line
was about school. But she also paid attention to us as
individuals. Your kid tells you what they’re interested
in, and you stop and watch and listen. When I went to
art school, she knew that was what I had to do. This
creative side is really a critical part of building character.
I worked closely with my art teacher in high school, and
she thought I should go to the Kansas City Art Institute,
and that was the real beginning in terms of a career. And
now that I’m professor at the Art Institute of Chicago, the
mission is to make each individual aware of their unique
abilities. When I sort of sense who has that spark, I want
to hand it to them as the next mentor.
When did you start dancing and what did you learn from
dancing with Alvin Ailey?
What I received from dancing was the sense of camaraderie
and community. In dance, the body is your instrument. It’s
fascinating to work with dancers because they have new
ideas about the body. I go to the public schools and work
with the students and they learn the language of dance.
Movement is the new expression.
below
Graffiti forms the
perfect backdrop for the
colorful Soundsuits.
right
Cave dances inside one of
his famous Soundsuits in front of
The Shreveport Municipal Auditorium,
where Elvis Presley got his start.