Artist statement
‘An artist is the sum of his risks, I thought, the life and death kind. So, in league with my sewing machine, I pulled and stitched and stuffed the banal materials of human clothing in a transformation process where the most astonished witness was myself. Almost before I knew it, I had an “oeuvre”, a family of sculptures that were the avatars, three-dimensional ones, of my two-dimensional painted universe’
(Between Lives2001, p.282). Dorothea Tanning.
My practice is a fully immersive experience in the universe that is a negotiation with the natural world. I see myself as merely a medium that the world uses to give its message. The universe of aliens looks to the natural formations of earth in a form of Astro biological theory, a scientific study of the potential of extra-terrestrial organisms on other planets. The creation of creatures and entities mediates the relationship between us and the other, and I am honoured to bring these entities to life through my work.
Through the use of multi-disciplinary means, such as fabrics, beading, lighting, and immersive environments, I create a role play world that lends itself to the audience as a means of identification and future potentials for the vitality of life on Earth and beyond. My art is a celebration of risk-taking, of pushing boundaries and exploring new frontiers, and I invite my audience to expand their horizons and consider the possibilities that lie beyond our current understanding of the world.
My use of textiles to create my alien sculptures is an essential aspect of my artistic practice. I see textiles as a versatile medium that allows me to bring my otherworldly creations to life in a tactile and three-dimensional form.
Textiles offer a unique set of properties that make them ideal for creating sculptures. I can mould, shape, and manipulate them into a variety of forms, allowing me to bring my creatures and entities to life with remarkable detail and precision. The use of textiles also offers a sense of texture and warmth, adding an organic quality to my work that draws the viewer in and invites them to engage with my creations on a more visceral level.
My use of textiles is not limited to traditional fabrics such as cotton or silk. I also incorporate a variety of materials, including beads, sequins, and other embellishments, to create intricate details and textures that bring my sculptures to life. The use of these materials adds a sense of depth and complexity to my work, creating a sense of mystery and intrigue that draws the viewer in and encourages them to explore my sculptures from multiple angles.
Beyond their aesthetic qualities, textiles also hold a deeper significance for me. They represent the interconnectedness of all things, as fibres are woven together to create a cohesive whole. In my hands, textiles become a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all life, reflecting my belief that we are all part of a greater whole that extends beyond our immediate understanding.
Overall, my use of textiles to create my alien sculptures is a testament to my creativity and ingenuity as an artist. Through my work, I invite my audience to explore the possibilities of what can be created with ordinary materials, inspiring them to see the world around us in new and exciting ways.