http://www.damiasmith.com/
"The combinations of lacy, organic forms, cursive writing, and tagging on city walls create new hybrid forms. In creating a juxtaposition between urban art forms, provocative words and dainty, feminine lines, I am exploring the expectations and traditional imagery associated with woman in relation to my own surroundings and current events. My newest work explores ornamentation, feminism, gender role expectations, gentrification, and consumerism."
"All of my work involves a relationship between the viewer/wearer/ participant and a specific object or piece of artwork. I am extremely interested in human interactions and their relationships with other humans and objects. Both art and performances can convey ideas and emotions; I want to use these forms of communication to help people become more aware of their own feelings, attitudes and surroundings. This reinforces the importance of art as a social agent, which helps the public to expand its worldview, by allowing the viewers to see themselves inside of the artwork."
This crocheted glove form which ends in spiked cones is wearable but not pleasant to be worn. It protects and causes pain for the wearer at the same time.
This work draws on very female craft of crochet in a traditional way to make what starts as a conventional and recognisable fingerless glove. The spikey metal extensions as a juxtapose suggest something defensive and attacking both to the wearer and the person observing or receiving contact. This is a powerful feminist statement about the position of some women in certain contexts, and communicates it very directly and effectively. It is very well made and beautiful and delicate to look at, at the same time, engaging uncomfortable feelings. The fact that the pain also applies to the wearer feels like a direct statement about the frustration and retroflection of pain for women in society.
Chain Reaction
2016
This enameled copper necklace is an investigation of some of the causes and effects of climate change and shows how this topic relates to individual members of society. Coal-powered electric plants create some of the largest contributions to the ongoing process of global warming. Air conditioning accounts for the highest average use of electricity in most homes. Though a significant portion of the burning of fossil fuels occurs in the United States, the effects are seen most in North Central Africa with rising temperatures, drought and loss of food sources. This chain creates a direct link from air conditioning, an activity in which many people participate, to malnourishment in Africa.
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