Staci Swider | "Vessels of the Elder Goddess" | July 12th — August 31st | Opening Reception July 18th from 5:30pm — 8:30pm

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Jana Riley

Staci Swider

Staci Swider | "Vessels of the Elder Goddess" | July 12th — August 31st | Opening Reception July 18th from 5:30pm — 8:30pm

Public Works Art Center presents works by celebrated artist Staci Swider (b. 1964, Pennsylvania). The first public exhibition in the U.S. of Swider’s mixed media collage, textile forms, and related constructions Vessels of the Elder Goddess: New Works by Staci Swider showcases the culmination of 2 years of exploration combining paint and textiles as wall-hung” tapestries” and 3d forms. More than twenty collages and textile sculptures form the centerpiece of the exhibition culminating in a 15’ canoe created from fabric, paper, and fur. Begun in 2022, these works are described by Swider as “the expression of an idea formed while swinging in my hammock dreaming of our soul’s guardians and how they manage to carry the weight of our lives.” Produced using her unique combinations of artistic materials the works draw the viewer in with their complex details portrayed in accessible forms and symbols. Merging the traditional techniques of painting and stitching with Swider’s decades of exploration of mixed media, the works are Swider’s major work of the past 3 years.

Consistently, Swider has pushed the boundaries of collage by combining materials such as paper, Persian rugs, stitching, and painting into seamless compositions. Her background as a fabric designer and fine art painter has led to her inventive combination of materials and symbolism not to be missed.

For further information about Staci Swider’s work, please visit her website at

www.staciswider.com or email studio@staciswider.com.

Bio

Staci Swider began her career as a textile designer in the home furnishings industry where she was known for her innovative designs and won many accolades. Today her award-winning collage paintings infused with fiber art are exhibited in galleries across the Southeast. She is a juried member of the National Association of Women Artists as well as the South Carolina chapter of NAWA. She is trained as a Certified GOLDEN Artist Educator and her bestselling book, Acrylic Expressions, along with 4 instructional painting videos published by Random House are available at major retailers and online.

When she is not traveling around the globe in search of inspiration, or enjoying the waterways with her husband on their trawler named Morning Star, she makes her home in Aiken, SC. Her studio can be visited by appointment.

Artist Statement

My work focuses on exploring the concept of one's soul journey. I am fascinated by the mythic idea of one’s daimon, or spiritual companion, who carries our destiny according to Plato. This notion brings me comfort, as it suggests that someone or something is constantly looking out for us and keeping us safe. I refer to the daimon as “the Grandmothers,” believing that they emanate from our female relatives and ancestors, acting as a collective blanket of safety. I often wonder how they bear such a significant responsibility, both physically and emotionally. I wonder where they reside and

how they manage. While considering this question, he idea of a boat-shaped vessel effortlessly gliding through the cosmos came to me while I was relaxing in my hammock, and I now refer to these vessels as soul sleds. They are the carriers through which the Grandmothers bear the weight of our lives and watch over us. My work involves a combination of collage and stitching, using painted canvas, papers, textiles,

found objects, and paint. My pieces tend to evolve organically from a sketch of an idea, quickly giving way to intuition and synchronicity. I often sift through bins of old works, and my studio floor is strewn with collections of fabrics, bits of old paintings, and sketches. It is from this randomness that my ideas are born; a piece of vibrant silk may lay atop a discarded portrait sketch, or sheets of painted papers created over the years may come together to form unusual combinations of color and pattern. Bringing together these seemingly random accidents takes time, and careful editing makes them appear intentional, reflecting my signature style, heavily influenced by my Eastern European

heritage. Textured black, red threads and stitching, gold embellishments, and tatted lace are stored in my memories and filter back out onto the walls as my modern interpretation of ancient symbols and patterns.