STATEMENT
Creating abstract texture-scapes is a deeply cathartic and soothing practice for me. It's an empowerment exercise that helps me work through my anxiety and turn my “disorder” into something that I can proudly offer to the world. My tendency toward collecting, repetitive activity and meticulous organization become real strengths in this work.
The first stage of my process involves collecting reclaimed or waste materials that I’m drawn to: landfill-bound, often non-biodegradable objects. Once I’ve assembled a substantial collection (often with help from the community), I take these familiar materials and fold, cut, tear, bind, layer, and/or paint them. Finally, I multiply those steps hundreds or thousands of times to create works that feel immersive and colossal. In building these bold worlds out of many small steps, I "graduate" and show myself my own capability and strength. These works allow me to feel safe and be adventuresome at the same time.
While the process of making these texture-scapes brings me peace, the intention behind them is also to offer peace, and space. I think of them as gardens. Like gardens, they are therapeutic to create and therapeutic to experience. They are lush, changing. The light brings them to life, and casts shadows. Movement and wildness meet a human impulse for order and control. We settle into them, knowing they are safe. We arrive at them carrying our whole lives in our heads and take from them what we need - a place to rest, feel alive, meditate, reminisce, cry, or let our eyes wander.
About the artist
Brielle DuFlon a texture artist, weaver, natural dyer and gardener. You can find her textile business / storytelling platform at www.santamente.com.
Brielle spent the first 18 years of her life in Antigua, Guatemala, and identifies as a Third Culture Kid. After moving from Guatemala to Charlottesville, VA to attend UVa, she graduated in 2010 and eventually settled in Charlottesville in 2012. She has a studio at McGuffey Art Center and has shown work in the United States and Guatemala, with her work finding its way into people’s homes in the U.S, Central America, Europe and Australia. When she’s not working on her art, she’s spending time with her incredible husband, loving community, mischievous kitties, and inspiring plants.
