Website: https://www.viviancavalieri.com
The goal of my art is to spark a conversation, either about human tendencies, such as attributing human characteristics to animals, or about complex social issues such as immigration. Since my works are intimate in scale, I need viewers to approach before any conversation can begin. To draw them in, I design an attractive scene even when a topic may be disturbing. As viewers approach, they enter the scene, museum glass erasing any barrier caused by glare. The glass is set in a deep, custom frame that curves outward, embracing the viewer. At this point, a private conversation can begin. I highlight issues rather than advocate a specific response. My art then serves as a reminder of an issue without alienating viewers. Much of my art is highly symbolic. Even when the overall meaning of a scene is clear, the significance of having chosen a particular item may not be, so I offer detailed explanations. Mixed media allows me to create scenes with an eccentric mix of materials. I previously worked with mixed media when designing opulent, multistrand necklaces purely as objects of beauty. I now imbue segments of those necklaces with meaning by incorporating them into my assemblages. At times, segments serve a conceptual function — representing a glass ceiling or the border between fantasy and reality. Other times, they are purely decorative, incorporated simply to attract a viewer’s eye. To complement the quality of the necklace components, I incorporate fine dollhouse miniatures and richly textured fabrics. I complete the scene with items ranging from mirrors to realistic animal models to found objects. Creating the assemblages frequently involves multiple techniques, including sewing, woodworking, Photoshop, and painting. The learning curve shifting from stringing beads to assembling scenes was very steep.
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Just as urban gentrification forces long-time inhabitants to move out of their neighborhoods, deforestation forced these foxes to seek shelter elsewhere. If their new home borders on an urban area, these foxes may well visit suburban gardens and prey on small creatures living there and even our pets.