HeatherTinkham ARTIST STATEMENT

Relationships, community, and perspective fascinate me in life and in my work. Sometimes the solo singer-songwriter is perfect to tell a story; a duet adds richness and layers that stimulate our imaginations; and a musical weaves story, music, and dance together in a dynamic experience. I decided to explore these ideas by creating a number of pieces that could be arranged in different ways. They surprised me, as they do, with their characters and varied stories.

"Avée, spirit talker", stands best alone, although she shares willingly with others. She is whole and at peace with herself and the world.

"Sunflower & Neko, seed sowers*" began as individuals, before Neko sidled up to brush Sunflower's legs. Their mutually supportive care and cheer flashed instantly, and now they are inseparable companions.

"Family" is one of several groupings that these figures participated in. The two taller figures were from a series of several sisters, diverse and yet richly bonded. The smaller pyramid figures were done a while apart and never intended to be together in a scene. The context and energy that emerged when the four came together draws my mind to so many possible stories and histories that I see new ones every time I look at them.

AVÉE, SPIRIT TALKER

Figurative fiber sculpture

10"x8"x2"

NFS

FAMILY

Figurative fiber sculpture

20"x18"x6" NFS

SUNFLOWER & NEKO, SEED SOWERS

Figurative fiber sculptures

18"x10"x2" NFS