Clarissa Callesen
Sculptor, installation artist, instructor

ARTIST STATEMENT

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Materiality forms the foundation of my creative practice. It encompasses tangible elements that I can touch with my hands: objects, fabrics, and other tangible components that constitute my work. These elements not only inspire me but also serve as the wellspring of my creations. My artistic process is deliberate and unhurried, akin to prayer and meditation. I dedicate hours to meticulously manipulating threads, striving to replicate effects that nature achieves over longer periods, such as the gentle ripples created by the wind over months. I employ the ancient method of handcrafting cordage from discarded textile scraps, spending countless hours handling and transforming these remnants into something novel and utilitarian.

Some of the garments I work with bear traces of their past, reflecting the passage of time. Others arrive seemingly pristine, having been scarcely worn before being discarded. With my hands and various tools, I imbue these seemingly new pieces with the patina of age and transformation. Each fabric or object carries its unique narrative: a cherished wedding dress worn during a beloved union, or materials acquired for a special project that never materialized. There are also items like a red lace bra and silk robe, emblematic of their journeys in realms like sex work.

While I may not know the specific histories of most garments, I find intrigue and mystery in imagining their former lives. Working intimately with discarded clothing, I acknowledge the indelible marks of human existence, from sweat stains on wedding attire to lingering fragrances on a jumpsuit. I blend these corporeal remnants with my bodily fluids like saliva and blood during the creative process.

Through my art, I delve into dichotomies and challenge viewers to contemplate notions of value and worth. I explore themes of resilience and fragility, both in our environment and in the context of femininity. I draw parallels between the unyielding solidity of earth's stones and the tender strength embodied in motherhood. The materials I work with carry myriad stories, co-creating narratives with me that invite viewers to uncover their own connections and narratives.