Portrait by Sarah higgins; art photo by David Isenhour

Who: David Isenhour

Medium: Sculpture

Best known for: Using mold-making, wood, found objects and automotive finish to create sculpture influenced by comics, cartoons, science fiction, movies and other pop culture elements. Lately he's been exploring genetic mutation depicted through science fiction. His sculptures tend to look slick, modern and manufactured. On the surface, his work might appear austere, he said, but underneath, there's a sense of humor informing it.

Factoid: He's married to fellow artist Sarah Higgins.

Paying the bills: Isenhour works at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center as registrar, facilities manager and preparator.

Philosophy: “I'm really interested in how science will end up following science-fiction's lead in a lot of cases. A lot of what I'm dealing with is ‘What if genetics went awry?'.” Isenhour said. “I'm not trying to be an activist. It might make people think about genetics and the possibilities of playing mad scientist with the genetics, but it's not an outright social commentary. I like there to be a sense of fun. Because nature's going to have its way with us, no matter what.”

Check him out: Isenhour's show “Genetic Drift” opens in Gallery 4 of the Blue Star Contemporary Art Center from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 31, and runs through June 17. (210) 227-6960.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor