Mandala: (Sanskrit: “circle”) in Hindu and Buddhist Tantrism, a symbolic diagram used in the performance of sacred rites and as an instrument of meditation. The mandala is basically a representation of the universe, a consecrated area that serves as a receptacle for the gods and as a collection point of universal forces. Man (the microcosm), by mentally “entering” the mandala and “proceeding” toward its center, is by analogy guided through the cosmic processes of disintegration and reintegration.

In addition to my Symmetroscope "Erocktions" images, I am presenting for the first time "Natural Reflection" -- a kind of evolution from my Erocktions images. In the same way that I use symmetry and ritualistic symbolism in Erocktions, using natural forms and texture in these intimate pieces allow me to suggest the contemplative spirituality that for me is best found outside rather than inside. In addition, this direction allows me to use stones and materials I am constantly collecting, and plays upon the enjoyment of creating tableaus as I did when building dioramas as a child.

figuration.

The work explores suspension of faith in science and organized belief systems. It questions beliefs of commonly held “truths” through personal experience in the process and physical nature of destruction and reconstruction of the body.

Through explorations in science, medicine, and the idea of faith I hope to explore events that are beautiful, horrific, and touch the sublime. Included are subjects of biology, micro and macro environments, life cycles, and nature as it applies to the human condition specific to moments of injury or events in a body’s history.

My current work has developed from the exploration of abstracted and realistic depictions of wounds to investigations of the failure of the body, manifested by abstracted and explosive biological landscapes and formations. The work expresses the pushing and pulling of nature, the construction and deterioration of body, and the evidence that eludes to a history of injury.

Methods and Materials

These two monotypes were created at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center during my key-holder residency. A major part of these pieces is the size and physicality of working on a large scale directly on the press bed. It offers an immediacy and scale I could not achieve in my normal studio. They are 300 gm Rives BFK with etching ink.

“In a land far away. . . .”

Second only to “once upon a time”, these words signal the beginning of a fairy tale. From fairy tales, I learned to imagine the impossible, to seek out beauty in unlikely places, and to be unafraid of adventures far beyond the boundaries of the world I was born into. Both fairy tales themselves and the adventures that, in real life, I have been lucky enough to experience in a range of distant lands, are the inspiration for my exhibit.

Mark Twain wrote, “you cannot believe your eyes if your imagination is out of focus.” Or, to reflect an influence closer to my heart, my high school art teacher told me that whether or not I ever worked as an artist, my art would help me see the world differently. Objective reality only goes so far.

This exhibit includes pieces that are directly inspired through places I’ve experienced (Matheran, India; Northumberland, England), and others that came from further wanderings of my imagination. To translate my vision, I use a range of media, acrylic, watercolor, and paper—including paint swatches shamelessly snatched from Home Depot!

I hope that you enjoy my work.

Visit me at www.samvasfi.com

I create concrete and glass sculptures concerning the stages of transformation using imagery of common and slightly nostalgic items.

I am fascinated by the connections we find in our everyday experiences: from the isolation of communities on the subway, to the solitary experience of introspection, to the feelings of deep communion. How do we think of our place in this world? How do we fit in it?

My work is about levels of connectedness. I paint, draw, and knit to represent these moments. We are all connected somehow.

This series started because of my fascination with knitting, love for painting, and intrigue in the community I've found online with knitters from around the world. I think about how it links me to my mother, her mother, and all the generations of women who came before them.

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Awarded the 'Craft Award of Distinction' for Fiber by the James Renwick Alliance

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Pairs within the installation are priced separately. Available works may be purchased by contacting me directly at darnknit [at] gmail.com, or by visiting my shop: http://tr.im/4