HEART as Form

I work with the heart shape for its formal and iconic qualities. It carries a range of symbolic associations, from valentine to metaphor for passion, or the essence of an issue. It has been used widely in traditional women’s craft, e.g. embroidery and quilting. The heart is symmetrical and found throughout nature, especially in plants. In my hearts, I choose to distort the symmetry (keeping a center line), paddling, tearing, and folding to create an asymmetrical tension. My forms are rough – and contrast the prettiness expected of hearts.

Hearts are made as single pieces, grouped in installations, some of which are interactive (viewers can move and arrange the hearts), and displayed in a variety of found containers. The smallest hearts are wearable amulets.

Cairn: Installed at Salem Artworks: 

2016 - Present