Wyatt NP
he/him
Layton, NJ, USA
Wyatt NP is a metalsmith from rural NJ. He graduated from Tyler with a BFA in Metalsmithing in 2021. NP grew up in a small rural town working with horses his whole life. Farming and agriculture impact his work heavily. In addition to continuing his practice, he works on several farms focusing on horsemanship and livestock management. NP creates most of his work in the form of Champlevé belt buckles; a type of adornment tied to rural identity and masculinity. He is passionate about agriculture and the perseverance of farmers over generations as the land, climate and people change.
“Belt buckles as an art form have deep ties to American Western imagery and iconography, which are very prevalent in the agricultural world I often find myself in. Fabricating belt buckles appeals to my own interests by creating these characterizations of narration in a form of body adornment so often masculinized and tied to rural identity.. The culture of farming and agriculture is commonly thought of as something reserved for conservative, cisgender, white, heterosexual people. Growing up in a small rural town, working with horses my whole life and participating in FFA and 4H, farming and agriculture grounded me.”
How does your work relate to the theme connection?
“The piece HELL BENT was based off of the rugged and masculine exaggerated Nocona Boot advertisements from the 80s. The imagery sets a scene, with a central focus on the boot stepping on the rattlesnake as hands wield a knife cutting it in half. Small bubbles of clues that feature a desert flower, balled up snake, knife and lit cigarette are all tied into the main scene. Visually there is a connection of all of the figures and objects within the piece, even spanning to the back where the words HELL BENT are stretched across the frame. Conversely the image of a boot stepping on and beheading a snake challenges the iconic Gadsen, or Don’t Tread on Me flag that many MAGA and far right supremacists ironically attempt to claim as a symbol of pride. Showing the resilience of our community and the fight that we all have in us when needed ties into how we all become more connected when united to protect one another."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
"HELL BENT", "Champlevé enamel on oxidized copper, brass findings, silver rivets, 4.5” x 3.5”, 2024"“Belt buckles taken in the context of a rural setting equate to achievements and status within one's community. Belt buckles as an object hold the purpose of fastening two ends to one another. In every aspect of the word connection, buckles have the purpose of bringing two ends together or a group of like minded skilled people. There is a community found within the agricultural world wherein buckles signify bringing people with similarities together whether it be barrel racers, bull riders, 4H participants. With my pieces they don’t only physically connect and fasten to the wearer, they also are symbolistic of someone’s skills and hobbies in life, connecting them to their community."
What role does connection play in your creative process?
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Francely Flores
What connection(s) does your queerness make to the world around you?
"For me, fabricating these pieces is not only my livelihood but also a way to exist between the worlds of the conservative ranching culture who admire my work for its imagery and the queer individuals that guided me through the early stages of my transition. At this point in my life I feel as though I am more readily accepted among the men who share my interests and way of life though are unaware that I am not cisgender as they are. The longer I have been on HRT, having completed my medical transition, the more I feel integrated into society as a man and the less I feel connected to the community that guided me. There is a resolve to this as well, having the ability to help those early on in their journeys as others have done for me. Though most of the time I have found myself living my life without immersing myself in the community the way I had done before and to simply exist as I am. Making work that people of many different backgrounds and walks of life can appreciate, wear and enjoy has been integral to helping me as a maker feel connected to my roots; whether it be agricultural or queer."
NYCJW24 @ UrbanGlass, Simon Leung
[queerphoria]v4 @ ECU Symposium
