Mandy Hampton at Barn Light East
Layers that Swallow by Mandy Hampton
Artists Statement
The works exhibited in “Layers that Swallow” hint at the inexplicable while being grounded in the relatable. My process is always one of testing; I challenge material and ask it to reveal something new to me. As I discover meaning through action, I aim to both challenge and collaborate with material, exposing unexpected possibilities. The sawdust sculptures begin with the placement of geometric frames or found objects, which are then swallowed up by layers of wire, paper, and finally a mixture of sawdust mâché. Particles of sawdust reassemble to form a cracked and flaky skin which consumes everything it encounters, freezing objects into a state of permanence.
My hand is evident in the form and surface, yet the sawdust exerts its own power as it dries; the form contracts on itself, bowing to gravity and compressing space. The process transforms these rigid frames into biomorphic entities, with cracked surfaces and openings that reveal internal spaces. While primarily abstract, these sculptures make references to cavernous spaces, bodies, and landscapes, all of which are influenced by my experiences in the wilderness and an appetite for science fiction. The sculptures exist as remnants of my own experience, but I hope that they also prompt the viewer’s imagination towards a personal experience.
This exhibition took place October 1-28th, 2016, at the Barn Light East.
