From November 2009 to the end of December 2010, I was the Textile Artist in Residence at Lillstreet Art Center Chicago. My statement reflects the experience of this year in the residence program.
Flags Installation. Lillstreet Art Center’s roof. Medium: flag fabric, thread and grommets. 2010-2011
This piece shows my interest in phonics. This can be seen in the flags that are on the roof at Lillstreet. They display the process of using the shape of the mouth to represent a sound. In this case the shapes represent “Lillstreet Art Center Chicago”.
Statement
My work references topics such as phonics, private and public space and emotional prostheses. Aspects of my practice reflect my status as a Colombian immigrant and native Hispanic woman. In my practice I engage in the use of diverse materials ranging from fibers and electronics to lipstick and found objects. I often use these materials in conjunction with traditional art techniques such as drawing, sewing and screen-printing.
The process of learning and improving language by reflecting upon my experience of learning English is the current focus of my practice. Phonics and translation are two primary functions of language that I explore. For example, I am currently printing spoken words by documenting each movement of the mouth in syllable form. Each movement is printed on a surface and language or sounds are preserved as movements of the mouth. In this process I am interested in making language a visible and tangible form. These printed words (lips) appear as musical notes that represent a sound that is interpreted in normal conversation.
In addition to exploring language I have always been interested in personal protection, which in my current practice, is being represented as a form of adaptation. For example, Private space II is a wearable form that has the ability to create a cocoon around the body. Through wearable art I attempt to provide emotional services that transcend functionality and discipline.
