STEPHANIE J. WOODS - AUGUST 2020
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Of course! So, I am from Charlotte NC, I love cooking and broccoli lol! I have been sewing since I was nine years old. Textiles are my main medium of choice, but I consider myself a multimedia artist. I also work in photography, video, and community-engaged projects.
Of course! So, I am from Charlotte NC, I love cooking and broccoli lol! I have been sewing since I was nine years old. Textiles are my main medium of choice, but I consider myself a multimedia artist. I also work in photography, video, and community-engaged projects.
Where are you and what are you currently working on?
I am in Richmond, VA, I have been here for a month. Actually, I spent the past two years at artists’ fellowships and residencies. I have been moving around a lot, and I am happy to settle down for a little even if it's bittersweet. You get spoiled making art all day at those residencies.
At the moment I am learning how to use a floor loom for a series titled "Weaving Weave" that is inspired by my previous work "Weave Idolatry." I am also working on a community-engaged project with Oakwood Arts in Richmond VA.
I am in Richmond, VA, I have been here for a month. Actually, I spent the past two years at artists’ fellowships and residencies. I have been moving around a lot, and I am happy to settle down for a little even if it's bittersweet. You get spoiled making art all day at those residencies.
At the moment I am learning how to use a floor loom for a series titled "Weaving Weave" that is inspired by my previous work "Weave Idolatry." I am also working on a community-engaged project with Oakwood Arts in Richmond VA.
Weave Idolatry, 2015, woven synthetic/human hair weave, black body paint, salvaged antique gold frames, window cornices, and wool, dimensions variable.
What’s your studio routine like? Any zany habits?
I like working mid-day, and I like to sweep the floor before I start, just so I can dirty it back up, and sweep again the next day. My current studio routine revolves around my work schedule. So I usually work towards the end of the week, on and off throughout the day.
I like working mid-day, and I like to sweep the floor before I start, just so I can dirty it back up, and sweep again the next day. My current studio routine revolves around my work schedule. So I usually work towards the end of the week, on and off throughout the day.
What are your favorite materials to work with?
I love working with found materials.
I love working with found materials.
How has your work changed over the years?
I've gotten better at making things. Over the years I have learned so many processes and techniques as well as developed my visual language. The amount of hours I spend practicing my craft has made it easier to communicate ideas. When I started out making my work was mostly abstract. While now you will see I use a lot of portraiture in my work. As of lately, I am leaning towards community engaged projects and abstraction again. So I would say it's a cycle. But conceptually my work has always been rooted in black american culture and the southern experience.
I've gotten better at making things. Over the years I have learned so many processes and techniques as well as developed my visual language. The amount of hours I spend practicing my craft has made it easier to communicate ideas. When I started out making my work was mostly abstract. While now you will see I use a lot of portraiture in my work. As of lately, I am leaning towards community engaged projects and abstraction again. So I would say it's a cycle. But conceptually my work has always been rooted in black american culture and the southern experience.
Lavender Notes, 2019, upholstered satin prints featuring handmade satin bonnets embellished with gold text, burlap dyed with sweet tea, textile foil, heat transfer vinyl, and upholstered custom made window cornice inspired frames. 6ft x 9ft x 3inches
Relax. Relate. Release. 2018, velvet, textile foil, bean bag filler, lavender notes, and synthetic velour. Center circle 8ft Surrounding cushions 3ft X 3ft
A Radiant Revolution II, 2018, Burlap dyed with sweet tea, brass chains, t-shirt, polished furniture vinyl, textile foil, red tablecloth, gold rope, dresser mirror frame, and upholstered taffeta print.
Any exciting projects on the horizon?
On October 3rd I am showing a new video piece in the group exhibition "Bound up: On the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment" curated by Rachel Gugelberger at Smack Mellon. Be on the lookout for that!
On October 3rd I am showing a new video piece in the group exhibition "Bound up: On the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment" curated by Rachel Gugelberger at Smack Mellon. Be on the lookout for that!
website: https://www.stephaniejwoods.com/