Raised in the southern wilds of the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, Blaine identifies the authenticity of human experience as the driving force of his artistic philosophy. When not fronting an experimental rock band, Blaine teaches Sculpture, Video Art, Theory and Criticism, and many other courses at Drury University where he holds the position of Associate Professor.
Steered by a passion for making and a belief that the contemporary task of art and architecture is ultimately based in ethics, dignity, and an understanding of our existential condition, Blaine has freely operated within and between many related creative fields. Being an internationally exhibited contemporary artist, awarded designer, and recognized recording artist, Blaine uses these wide-ranging experiences and forms of expression to inform the design process.
Situated somewhere between Faulkner’s rural modernism and Frampton’s critical regionalism Blaine’s approach to architecture seeks to define a specific present-day aesthetic that speaks to the urban/rural sense of self and place unique to the modern Ozarks — an Ozark Minimalism.
Key Projects
Rhizomatic Grotto - Springfield Art Museum. Springfield, Mo (2013) 65’ x 45’ x 13’: Outdoor Sculpture / Participatory Installation. Visiting Artist
Radi House - Ozark, Mo (2013) 4000 sqft Multi-Family Residence: All Phases of Design. RAD Studio, Co-Founder
The CoRE House - The CORE Project Open Design Competition, winner. Springfield, Mo (2011) 1500 sqft Single Family Residence: All Phases of Design. RAD Studio, Co-Founder
Mission Accomplished - National Invitational Decade Retrospective Exhibition, Athens Institute for Contemporary Art. Athens, Georgia (2011): Participating Sculptor and Panel Participant
Arkifex Studios is an architectural design collaborative founded by Cody Danastasio, Michael Hampton, Tyler Hellweg and Blaine Whisenhunt in 2014. The company has locations in Springfield, MO and Boulder, CO. Each member brings a unique skill set to the company - Design Principal Blaine Whisenhunt is a perfect example of these diverse skill sets, having a Masters In Fine Art and a background in sculpture and installation art—this paired with other firm members' backgrounds in architecture, design, and construction management has allowed Arkifex Studios to become an experienced and diverse firm in its short existence. Arkifex Studios is a fully licensed architecture practice focusing on projects in the Ozark and Rocky Mountains. Our specialties include architectural design, master planning, and construction administration