Michelle Echenique

Artist Statement

My work has always been informed by the blending of mixed mediums. A piece starts with a hint of structure: a scrap of sewing pattern, a wedge of discarded wood, a random bit of hardware, something that provides a vague road map, destination unknown. The time spent working is both a cerebral and physical journey, as I follow the threads, trusting that the bits and pieces along with my purposeful prodding will lead to coherence.

Allowing my materials past lives their say is key. The previous function of siding, hinges, chair legs and whatever else I choose add a layer of visual and contextual richness and complexity. Place and time figure prominently too, through both the physical nature of material and my own consciousness and history.

At various points in the development a message or story will surface and then evolve until a clear, even obvious direction comes to light. While the process is often chaotic, beauty, composition and clarity of meaning remain the goal. Letting the work come as it will through the limitation and integrity of material is critical to the endeavor and ultimately to the finished piece.