ELLEN SCHIFFMAN

My work speaks of those things most important to me in my life: things that move me, things that challenge me, things that teach me, things I want to share with others and things that I want to preserve. I feel blessed that I can speak of these through the work of my hands. 

Art has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Even as a child I felt enormous awe for those who were able to transform materials into both beautiful functional objects and works of art.  These were feats of magic beyond my comprehension and I believed, beyond my capabilities. As an adult I have challenged myself to capture this magic. I am largely self-taught but have been fortunate to have some wonderful fiber and mixed media artists both instruct and mentor me over the years.

Although much of my work has fiber and fiber art techniques as its core, I have become an explorer of both traditional and non-traditional art methods and materials. I have used a range of items including metal hardware, Qtips, rusted items, cotton twill tape, items from nature, packaging materials, teabags, recyclables and more. I am endlessly curious about how materials can be manipulated and repurposed beyond recognition into works of art that speak my truth.

Nature has been an important muse. Without precisely replicating the wonders of the natural world, I strive to capture both its essence and its mystery. The movement, the patterns, the gestures, the textures and the power of nature are all present in my work. Majestic mountains, powerful glaciers, stately trees - their delicate leaves and patterned bark, movements of wind and of water, and the treasures of the ocean all have a voice in what I create.  Serendipity, the language of the natural world, is present in my work. A hole, a ridge, a swerving line, a crack can appear unplanned in a piece, as they do in nature.  For me this is metaphor for the unexpected challenges we face, for our limited control over our circumstances, and for the growth we experience from embracing that which life brings. 

Imagery from the man-made world across cultures and time are also sources for inspiration.  My artistic touchstones come both from my own culture and from the cultures I have experienced in my travels. Lacemaking and other fiber making traditions from around the world, Moghul architecture, fragmented antiquities, the ethereal white of the Taj Mahal, temple embellishments from Southeast Asia, Europe and South America, great works of fine art, universal patterns and symbols, historic and current world fashion ,and more, have all found expression in my work.

Fragmentation, fragility and vulnerability are frequent themes in my artwork. My pieces, which are organic and imperfect, speak of forces beyond our control, such as the power of nature and the passage of time. Despite the destruction and decay inherent in much of the work, there is celebration of perfection in imperfection. Change does not necessarily destroy. It gives birth to power, resilience and strength. 

Through the transformation of material I express my appreciation for that which is commonplace, inviting the viewer to pay closer attention to the unexpected, overlooked and often inspirational aspects of their own world. I have no fully defined plan in mind when I start a piece - rather I embark on an intuitive, process-oriented journey, letting the materials and the moment guide the work.  I seek a calm in my work, a nourishment of spirit. I work in silence as a meditation. The labor-intensive work of forming the components of a piece, laying them into patterns, and the frequent use of the color white are asoothing for me. The work, while a reaction life’s uncertainties and my own, serves as visual testament and prayer for endurance, change and survival. My intent is to convey this sense of hope and potentiality to those who see my work. 

www.ellenschiffmanfiber.com