Artist Statement
The representation of women has been a thematic thread throughout my work; women’s labour and identity through costume and textiles have become important elements as I push painting into the realm of sculpture, site-specificity and interactivity. In Barcelona, I am working on a sequel to Olive Gowns, a project in which I used Italian earth pigments to paint olive trees on antique nightgowns. Nine women wore the gowns for a living installation in an olive grove. The trees represent the deep roots and connection to place as the groves get passed down through generations. In Barcelona, I am working with very old white cotton petticoats, incorporating palm and plane trees into the design of the garments; both of these species of trees are of significance in the Catalan city. Other projects include video, performance and photography. I teach painting at a college in Vancouver and run a artist residency in southern Italy.
Website:
www.helenawadsley.com
www.terraviventeartstudio.com
