Sustained Investigation
Portfolio #5
S.W. 2020-2021
Artist Statement:
These pieces will explore the relationship between the outward appearances of animals, their sustenance, and what humans value them for. Various species from a plethora of natural and unnatural environments will be displayed, ranging from a wolf with a common natural diet of rodents and large hooved animals, to a pet rabbit fed only carrots, to a pig raised for slaughter. The goal of this exploration is to spark deeper thought in the viewer regarding food-organism relations, and how humans view and treat animals based on their compatibility with domestication and what we view as beautiful.
The materials I chose to create these sculptures were selected in order to convey the distinct visual connection to home decor. The simplistic mounts and clean wire combined with yarn elements should spark the memory of items made of the same materials, seen decorating the walls of an airbnb or gracing the shelves of a crate & barrel. This likeness should entice the viewer to judge the animals as intended; as pieces of decoration meant for the human gaze.
My original sustained investigation was simply a query of the relationship between animals’ appearances and their diets, but as I began researching for and creating my pieces I started noting the distinct impact that humans have had on practically every species and decided to further delve into the issue. My wire structures became more complex and detailed as I created more of my sculptures, and as I created each one I incorporated wire and crochet techniques that I had used with previous ones.
These pieces will explore the relationship between the outward appearances of animals, their sustenance, and what humans value them for. Various species from a plethora of natural and unnatural environments will be displayed, ranging from a wolf with a common natural diet of rodents and large hooved animals, to a pet rabbit fed only carrots, to a pig raised for slaughter. The goal of this exploration is to spark deeper thought in the viewer regarding food-organism relations, and how humans view and treat animals based on their compatibility with domestication and what we view as beautiful.
The materials I chose to create these sculptures were selected in order to convey the distinct visual connection to home decor. The simplistic mounts and clean wire combined with yarn elements should spark the memory of items made of the same materials, seen decorating the walls of an airbnb or gracing the shelves of a crate & barrel. This likeness should entice the viewer to judge the animals as intended; as pieces of decoration meant for the human gaze.
My original sustained investigation was simply a query of the relationship between animals’ appearances and their diets, but as I began researching for and creating my pieces I started noting the distinct impact that humans have had on practically every species and decided to further delve into the issue. My wire structures became more complex and detailed as I created more of my sculptures, and as I created each one I incorporated wire and crochet techniques that I had used with previous ones.