Talking STASH

 

I've been working on the sculptures for STASH for over a week now. As I assemble, wrap and play with these bodies, I realize how this work is an extension of my CONTAINMENT SERIES -  a collection of found materials that I cover, pad, layer and bind with wool, fabric, thread, steel wool, wire. Wrapped identifiable objects become ambiguous shapes that simultaneously celebrate and mask the form. 

The difference is that these new, larger sculptures use multiple items instead of one found object. The items have been contributed by many people all summer long as part of an installation that will be taking place in the trees of Union Square, Somerville this Fall.

The similarity is that they both are anthropomorphic in shape. Each bulges and contracts as if in response to its environment - creating a tension between expression/oppression and hosting projections of human emotion and desire.

As a recipient of the 2012 Somerville Arts Council Fellowship Award, I will be creating several large structures that will be hidden in the trees of Union Square Somerville in September - while the trees are still in full foliage - and then exposed in October when the leaves drop.    

    
The idea is to question the need to collect things; to ask why it is sometimes kept secret; and to wonder about what motivates us. Creating an opportunity to look at our selves through our things - and presenting an unexpected encounter, for anyone walking by, to question for themselves. 

There will be media associated with the project documenting all the items that are 'hidden' within the sculptures - the generously contributed items that I'm keeping safe - for a possible future use. You know what I mean?

Please stay tuned for future updates as these bodies progress and the installation schedule is confirmed. And follow me on Facebook here and here to see regular posts about the interesting objects included in the making of STASH.

This program is supported in part by the Somerville Arts Council, a local agency supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.