In response to a chaotic, uncertain world, this body of work explores individual’s coping strategies. Turbulent skies and swarms of birds are metaphors for the fear, anxiety, and confusion people often face. They seem to threaten the delicate communities, but the surrounding shelters provide protection. Faced with similar conflict, the populace has acted in different ways. Some have given up, while others have improved their defenses. Some are in denial, as others have made the most of it. Although the future will always be unsure, those individuals that effectively cope with their changing environment are left stronger and more resilient.
A note about the media:
The two-dimensional framed art are one-of-a-kind screenprints. Screenprinting is a printmaking process in which water-based ink is hand pushed through a design on a stretched mesh screen. The collaged elements have been hand-sewn onto the backgrounds. The small sculptures have been created from thin sheets of mica. Mica is a naturally occurring mineral. If a line of small holes is punched into mica, it is able to be folded. The idea of these shelters came from Victorian wardian cases which were a precursor to terrariums and were used to transport plant specimens across seas.  |
