The materials are, for me, the source of each piece.
From this I become compelled by a vision or idea, something that hints at me & taps my subconscious. I'll begin finding the bits & pieces that fit the feeling of those initial images. Collecting and gathering until I can begin to work & assemble, sorting out ideas as I go. I may start with a preconceived idea of what I'd like to create, but know that once I start manipulating the materials, the piece will form in ways I could never have planned.
From this I become compelled by a vision or idea, something that hints at me & taps my subconscious. I'll begin finding the bits & pieces that fit the feeling of those initial images. Collecting and gathering until I can begin to work & assemble, sorting out ideas as I go. I may start with a preconceived idea of what I'd like to create, but know that once I start manipulating the materials, the piece will form in ways I could never have planned.
Ultimately the material directs me and a form begins to take shape. I work with the materials organically. I never sketch it out or use patterns or copy designs that have already been created. I always build directly on the dress form, letting the shapes come together and evolve into a whole.
The nature of the salvaged material I use infuses each piece with life force...the bits of wear and rust formed by history, remain. I am humbled by the lessons I have learned from handling copper, steel and fiber. These elemental materials speak to me, pull at me and draw me in; from this emerge both a softness & sharp gritty edge, that I hope speaks to you.
Bethany Moore-Garrison
Kiva Studio PDX
