Melissa Wilson, Windowsill/Fertility Altar video with audio, April 27, 2021
Artist Statement
My work investigates bringing the private realm into the public realm through the manipulation of feminine-specific materials into non-representational objects. I am inspired by my own life and what I learn through dialogue and research pertaining to the physical, emotional and traumatic experiences of women-identifying folks.
The objects I create are intended to validate natural human functions that may be private or mundane. I want to remove the shame, taboo or stigma associated with these natural and shared female experiences. I imagine these explorations as personal talismans. I play with the familiarity in the material and muscle memory that is triggered in the colours and sculptural strategies, such as stitching, binding or stretching. The obvious interventions by my hands, brings the connection to an even more personal level for the viewer.
The power of ritual and storytelling, layered interactions of time and memory, and the manifestation of lived experiences in the physical body, are themes that have emerged in the work. I create multi sensory installations of small ‘shrines’ or ‘alters’ which assemble the talisman-like objects I create, together with found objects such as pads, ovulation strips or condoms.
Biography
I am currently residing with my partner in Peterborough. My initial education was completing Durham College's Advanced Diploma Graphic Design course in addition to the Foundations in Art and Design. I have worked freelance, in a gallery and in print media. Unfortunately my art practice declined as I focused my career towards yoga and fitness. However, the pandemic shifted my priorities and gave me the opportunity to return to art school via online learning. I graduated from Fleming's Drawing + Painting course in December and audited the VCAD Concept Development course in the spring. I am continuing my artistic practice in my home studio as well as involvement with Downtown Peterborough’s art initiatives.
