Spotlight Artist

Christy Nelson

West
Artist profile photo
Featured in New American Paintings

Artist Statement

 I find used, soiled, discarded, often familial objects, and using art materials like encaustic, stretcher frames, and pigment, I change them into new things. The process of tangibly redeeming salvaged forms and freezing them in a moment of restoration is empowering. As the artworks exist in their new state they push into a shared space with the viewer. Some of the works expose holes or scars that can be closed and reopened, while others explore what we use and discard. The soft color palettes carry whispers of prior experiences. Specific materials such as decrepit, inherited zippers or stained napkins provide each work with its personal narrative of former despair and hopeful re-creation.

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