30 INTHEARTS | WINTER 2024“As artists, we create thoseunseen environments thatexist just beyond theveil of reality.”– Nonney Oddlokken
1. Briefly describe the work youdo.I devised a unique fiber art technique. I craft stitched handmade papersubstrates, with stitched collage paper elements, and meticulouslyfinish each piece with hundreds of yards of hand-stitched gold threadembellishments. The focus of my creations is the encircled eye,representing the enchanted people and creatures coexisting in ourworld. This technique allows me to weave a unique narrative throughthe interplay of materials and symbolism, inviting viewers into a world ofmagic and imagination.2. What or who inspires your work and how has thatinfluenced both your work and your identity as anartist?The concept of Death serves as a profound inspiration for my work,compelling me to approach my craft with unwavering dedication andfearlessness. As a child, I encountered death in close proximity, and evenin my youth, I grasped the profound understanding that life is fleeting.This early confrontation with mortality has deeply influenced both myartistic endeavors and my identity as an artist. It instills in me a senseof urgency and purpose, urging me to express myself passionately andauthentically in every piece I create. The specter of Death, rather thanevoking fear, becomes a catalyst for a relentless pursuit of creativity andmeaning in my artistic journey.3. Making Art traditionally carry cultural, historical, orpersonal narratives. How do you incorporate thesenarratives in your contemporary pieces?In my artworks, I draw inspiration from the interplay between reality andfantasy, intentionally blurring the lines. The backdrop is anchored in theindigenous flora and fauna of Louisiana, entwined with traditional Cajunand urban folklore, as well as Catholic dogma. Overlaid with childhoodmemories, trauma, and secrets, this approach takes me into unchartedterritories, offering a perspective beyond conventional boundaries.This imaginative journey frees me from the constraints of the realworld, allowing the extraordinary to unfold through the interplay of theordinary. In this creative exploration, a unique magic emerges from thefusion of diverse elements, shaping a narrative that resonates with bothreality and the fantastical.4. Do you aim for a particular emotional or sensoryexperience in audience interaction with your pieces,considering that textiles or mixed media artworks canevoke a tactile response?Given that textiles and mixed media artworks can elicit a tactileresponse, I am mindful of creating a balance in the intensity of mynarratives. Despite the often intense themes, I work with bright colorsand beautiful imagery to prevent overwhelming the viewer. Theoverarching goal is to communicate a sense of joy and hopefulness,offering a positive emotional experience. In my artistic expression, theuse of hundreds of yards of gold thread serves as a deliberate choice.This embellishment symbolizes the life force that connects us all. Byincorporating this element, I aim to enhance the sensory experience,inviting the audience to not only visually appreciate the art but also feela connection to a deeper, uplifting energy.5. Given that textiles and mixed media often generateresiduals, how do you specifically approach sustainabilityand work to minimize environmental impact in yourartistic practice?To address the environmental impact of my artistic practice, particularlyconsidering the residuals generated by textiles and mixed media, I adopta sustainability-focused approach. Given that my art is collage-based,one key strategy is crafting my own paper backgrounds using recycledmaterials. This not only reduces waste but also adds an eco- friendlydimension to my work. Furthermore, I’ve integrated digital ideation intomy creative process. By working out ideas digitally before translatingthem into physical pieces, I minimize the need for excessive materialsand reduce my carbon footprint. This shift toward digital explorationallows me to refine concepts efficiently and make more informeddecisions about the physical components of my artwork, contributing toa more sustainable and environmentally conscious artistic practice.6. Get inspired!INSTAGRAM: @threadpaperglueWEBSITE: threadpaperglue.comREPRESENTED BY: Flavio Dolce Art ProjectsINTHEARTS | WINTER 2024 31
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