ARTIST STATEMENT
I create narrative found object assemblage sculptures I use artifacts and symbolic objects to convey stories about relationships with family, place, love, faith, nature, self, time, and other themes. During the process, I go beyond my personal stories and the narrative becomes universal as I feel our stories are all connected. Some objects/symbols are obvious; others may be interpreted by viewers differently as they bring their own experiences to the work. I enjoy the idea that something from my story may cause others to reflect on their own narrative. Reflection on personal narratives in order to better understand self and others is a very powerful experience that continues to draw me to the studio and my work. I have come to trust my collecting and allow objects to come to me during the art-making process. Many of the titles of my work come from music, books, and poetry that then guide my intention as I assemble my found objects. As Zora Neale Hurston states, we are each “a jumble of small things priceless and worthless.” We can share our experiences, our hopes and dreams, our fears and loves, through objects we collect along the way. Being a woman and of a certain age, I attempt to share my unique perspective in my work. I am resilient and have first-hand knowledge to share. In the “Blue Zones” where people live the longest, one of the characteristics that they share is a sense of purpose. I am extremely grateful for the sense of purpose my artmaking gives me.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Linda Popp is originally from Chicago but has lived in the Baltimore area since 1974. She retired from teaching visual arts with Baltimore County Public Schools (30 years in secondary art and 11 years as the Visual Arts Coordinator). She then taught at Maryland Institute and supervised student teachers at Towson University. She maintained a strong studio practice while teaching.
Since retiring, she has shifted her focus full-time to her studio work. Linda is a member of numerous galleries and collectives. She consistently exhibits her work in local galleries and other venues outside of the area. She maintains a website, www.bakerartists.org/portfolio/linda-popp and www.lindapopp.com, and presents her work on Instagram @lpoppart. She has had solo exhibits at Gallery Blue Door in Baltimore, and the Leu Gallery, Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee and was selected for the “Baltimore Assemblage Exhibit” at Hamilton Art Gallery, 2023. Linda was selected for the “Constructed Stories & Fabricated Forms” Exhibit, Assemblage Sculpture by Eight Regional Artists, in Havre de Grace, 2024. She will have a solo exhibit at York Art Association in April, 2026, and be in a group show, “Some Assembly Required” November, 2026 at Hamilton Art Gallery. Linda continues to host assemblage workshops. She has presented workshops at Frederick Community College, Towson University, Stevenson University, Belmont University, Towson Arts Collective, Carroll County Arts Council, St. Michaels Art League, and the National Art Education Association Conference. She was the artist in residence at St. James Academy, teaching assemblage sculpture to 350 students in 2025.
© Linda Popp