Artist Statement - MARGARET JO FELDMAN

Statement

My work explores content without context and the manner in which current and historical events are recounted with a focus on examining issues of gun violence, the Bill of Rights, and the world refugee crisis. I examine these topics through the deconstructing and manipulating of found images and language. Without context, an image is open to new interpretations and abstracted from its original meaning.

My interest in sewing began with my desire to experiment with transforming my drawings, paintings, family photographs and found images into sewn pieces reinterpreting the imagery and content. What started out as an experiment quickly turned into a passion. I discovered the free-motion embroidery method, which uses a special foot on a sewing machine that allows the fabric to be moved in any direction. I enjoy the labor-intensive method, as the time spent on each piece becomes in itself an act of intimacy with the subject matter and the materials.

I am driven to create work about events that move me, frustrate and sadden me. It is through my work that I can feel a sense of hope and honor those whose stories I choose to tell.

Biography

Margaret Jo Feldman is a San Francisco based conceptual fiber artist and educator. She attended The School of The Art Institute of Chicago where she received her Bachelor Degree in Studio Art and a Post Baccalaureate in Education. Her formal art education prior to that was minimal at best and it was her parents that instilled a love of art with regular visits to museums and galleries, where she realized that she didn't just want to look at art but she wanted to make art.