Domesticus Nature Morte

Feb. 8th - April 5th, 2026

Reception: April 2nd, 5-7pm

Nathan Gorgen and Molly Jo Burke are an artist and designer couple who collaborate on artwork as Byproduct Studios. Their artwork is deeply intertwined with their personal lives, particularly their roles as parents to young children. The birth of their first child, in 2016, catalyzed a shift from independent practices to a collaborative approach. Their creative process is a blend of deliberate planning and intuitive making. Nathan’s background in digital fabrication and woodworking brings a structured, methodical approach to their work, while Molly’s experience with glass and ceramics introduces a more fluid and impulsive element. This dynamic allows them to challenge and push each other’s aesthetic boundaries, resulting in work that is both meticulously crafted and organically inspired.

They are committed to reusing materials and remnants from their studio practices, transforming past pieces into new works of art. This approach is not just about avoiding waste but also about reimagining and reworking materials to give them new life and meaning. ByProduct Studios believes in the importance of being mindful of the resources they use and the impact of their work on the environment. This practice also promotes play within their work similar to how their children engage with materials. Drawing inspiration from surrounding environments, everyday items, nature, children’s craft supplies, and furniture that might otherwise be discarded accentuates the practice.

As their children grow, Molly creates molds of their hands at different stages to capture the moments. By incorporating these elements into their work, themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passage of time are explored. The pieces often reflect a playful rethinking of familiar objects, imbuing them with new significance and beauty. By striving to infuse their work with a sense of whimsy and playfulness, it encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationships with the identifiable objects, parts of the body, and surrounding spaces. Their art often blurs the line between functional and fantastical, inviting a deeper contemplation of the everyday.