SECOND PLACE

Artist Statement:
Over this era of tribalism and polarization hovers a guardian angel of Inclusivity. With arms open to all, she welcomes us regardless of our origins because we are all human, of all stripes and patterns, each of us unique. When we weave connections between us, we become richer and stronger, far more so than when we tear them apart. The guardian angel in this work was inspired by a timeless character painted on a beautiful oriental screen, which is housed in a French castle near my home.

Technique:
The elements of this work were sewn out of canvas, then turned inside out before being filled with polyester stuffing and supported with sculpture wire. They were then sculpted with needle and thread (the little characters’ arms and legs were wound with cotton thread) before being prepped with acrylic medium and painted with acrylic paints. The Guardian angel’s robe was sewn from fabric remnants.