ARTIST STATEMENT
The goal of my work is to present to my audience my personal conviction that relentlessly exposes the intimacies of womens’ lives. This is communicated through an artistic vocabulary consisting of specifically loaded materials, previously used remnants that are reminders of the people who have used them. Materials can range from old nylons to soiled mattresses. The markings left by previous owners are evidence of a personal history that we all experience, we all leave stains. The presence of human contact assures audiences of my commitment to the essence of the content. By using familiar materials there is a direct connection to the viewer, and as a result the audience can readily identify with the completed piece. This intimate memory, caused in part by the materials, affects the viewer individually and on a more universal level.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
I began my life as an artist – as far back as I can recall I have related to the world around me visually. In college I began to acknowledge my perspective as a woman and grow a feminist body of work. Many years later I remain committed to my worldview that the work of women must be elevated. I work in a studio that is in my home and I utilize materials familiar to women.
© Tonya Hart