PREVIOUS ARTIST: Gary Magakis
NEXT ARTIST: Ruth McCorrison

C. Pazia Mannella

I am very attracted to everyday materials. My material choices are transformed, due to repetitive construction techniques. My work is sculptural, and also can worn on the body. I explore the temporal, emotional experience and dialogue among artist, wearer, and viewer. I am greatly influenced by the intricate hand construction, sewing and fastening techniques of haute couture fashion, and the documentation of these garments in high-end fashion shows and fashion photography.

I began working with Take-A-Number tickets as a means to count time. I am drawn to this material because of the subconsciously recognizable text, symbols and strong colors. I imagined the weight these slips of paper carry while in a line. People cling to them, follow there order, and if an individual attempts to disrupt the sequence, the group will intervene. The ticket is then immediately discarded when the number has passed.

My work derives from the varying ideas implicated in the terms and the vast histories of clothing, costume, fashion, and haute couture. The term clothing implies protection against the elements and to preserve modesty. In the course of history, clothing has also become a means of seduction by enhancing nature, or adding artificial attraction. Costume functions beyond simple utility; it implies magical significance inspiring fear, desire, or imposing authority. Its attributes express power. Fashion and haute couture indulges the fantasy of the creator.

RESUME

Your Grace, Machine Sewn Zippers, 2009