Website: https://www.viviancavalieri.com
The goal of my art is to spark a conversation either about human tendencies or complex social issues. My works are intimate in size so to start this conversation I need the viewer to approach. I encourage this by designing an attractive scene even for a disturbing topic. As viewers approach, they enter the scene, museum glass erasing any barrier caused by glare and a deep, custom frame curving outward to embrace the viewer. Shy by nature, I highlight issues rather than advocate a specific response. Much of my art is symbolic and even when the meaning of a scene may be clear, the significance of my having used a particular item may not be. For this reason, I offer viewers explanations. I am drawn to mixed media because it allows me to use an eccentric mix of elements in unexpected ways. I once designed opulent, multistrand necklaces influenced by the Venetian torsades purely as objects of beauty. I now imbue segments of those necklaces with meaning by using them in scenes, either as decoration or to serve a conceptual function such as representing a glass ceiling. I complete the scene with a variety of components including dollhouse miniatures, textured fabrics, mirrors, realistic animal models, and found objects. Similarly, creating the assemblages often involves multiple techniques, including sewing, woodworking, Photoshop, and painting.
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I was inspired to create a Nature vs. Art series when I noticed that the color combinations in some of my necklace designs resemble those found in nature. Surprisingly, the striped and feathered tulips featured here evolved by natural selection.