Statement/Biography - MARGARET JO FELDMAN

Statement

My artistic practice revolves around a critical examination of sociological and political issues, achieved through the deconstruction and manipulation of found images and language. I delve into the exploration of content without context and scrutinize how current and historical events are narrated. In my recent works, I have focused on issues such as gun violence and the world refugee crisis. These themes serve as the foundation for my artistic expression, guiding the conceptual framework of each piece. I employ a variety of techniques, with a particular emphasis on the free-motion embroidery method, facilitated by a specialized sewing machine foot that allows for unrestricted fabric movement. Concepts and materials share equal importance in shaping my artistic vision. By incorporating labor-intensive processes, I establish a connection between the time invested in each piece and the intimacy with both the subject matter and the materials themselves. This intentional engagement becomes an intrinsic part of the narrative, contributing to the exploration of complex social and political issues.

Biography

Margaret Jo Feldman, a California-born artist, engages in interdisciplinary work that addresses both historical and contemporary social and political issues. Her passion for the arts developed early in life, leading her to earn both a studio art degree in painting and a post-baccalaureate in education at the School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Margaret Jo began her artistic career as an artist-in-residence at various community art programs in Chicago, including Gallery 37, the Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Evanston Art Center. After relocating to San Francisco in 2004, she began her 22 year teaching journey in independent schools across the Bay Area. Margaret Jo has gained recognition for her innovative free-motion embroidery artworks, a departure from her original dedication to painting and drawing. She skillfully integrates sewing into her pieces, embracing the realm of fiber arts. Throughout her artistic journey, she has participated in artist residencies in Vermont, Champaign Urbana, and New York City. Her work has received awards and has been showcased in several fiber arts magazines, including Surface Design Journal as well as the San Francisco Chronicle, establishing her as a noteworthy presence in the art community.