Betty Woolfolk

The Museum of Curious Thought is an assemblage of mixed media sculpture, using recycled materials to create pseudo- scientific museum installations. 

For eight years I have been working on this concept through exhibitions at Gallery Route One. They investigate science and technology and how that will effect our everyday lives. My focus has been on the Scientific Wing. Now is the time to go down into the vaults to re-analyze and revise some of the old scientific equipment and experiments, to make room for the future. 

The MOCT examines the dichotomy between the “natural” world, and questionable scientific research, which could lead to possibly irreversible  consequences. These advancements in technology threaten our environment and well being. It is impossible to keep up with the speed of the current technological breakthroughs and discoveries, so we are caught unaware and unprepared for the outcome.

The machines are manufactured out of a wide range of recycled parts including metal, plastic, wood, glass, and circuitry. Most all of the parts have been retooled or reused. Half the fun of creating art using recycled materials is the “hunting and gathering period”. When I was a child I would go with my father to his manufacturing plant and pick up small bits and pieces of metal that were left on the ground from the large fabrication machines. The hunting grounds have expanded to flea markets, garage sales, and thrift stores where “cultural cast-offs” can be reborn into mixed media sculpture that comment on all phases of modern life. My friends are always giving me treasures to incorporate too.