Wicker Jacket #4
24'' wide x 36'' high

Lisa Qualls

Artist Statement

I am fascinated by the way man chooses to make his environment and self visually pleasing as well as using these symbols, patterns and forms to organize and identify both himself and others.

I use visual markers to create artwork about identity, culture, history and politics. I layer text and imagery, pattern and imagery, and form and text. I often choose transparent materials and combine them in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional formats.

The drawings, mixed-media pieces and sculptures are inspired by history, culture and text from various sources.

I use the same processes on paper and fabric working back and forth. The idea of creating garments that use the text, images and dyes is very exciting to me. The form and history of the garment style adds another layer to the meaning of the piece as well as turning it into a sculptural piece that hangs and uses light and shadow in a way that the flat wall pieces do not. These fabric pieces work exceptionally well when suspended to enhance the transparency and layers of text and image.