Bill Russell

ARTIST STATEMENT:

As a conceptual fiber artist on the autism spectrum, I make art as a means to understand human behavior and explore questions about identity, family, and society. Noticing the nuances of change is an underlying theme of my recent meditations. I celebrate these subtle transformations through this reflection on “the blue hour.” This work investigates our constant state of metamorphosis with the environment and the shifting boundaries between land, water, and human intervention. The digital images depict the Alton Slough, a major bird migration flyway, and the Granite City Foundry, where steel is created from the conversion of rock to liquid. The blue collar garments examine how we commemorate the milestones of life through dress and ritual. Retirement is the transition from work to rest and the tradition of the family photo marks transformation shared across generations.

Image : Blue Hour Diptych