Alicia Conway
Alicia Conway is a senior art major with an emphasis in sculpture at the University of Texas at Tyler. Upon obtaining a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in the spring of 2011, she will continue her study of sculpture in graduate school as she works toward a Master of Fine Arts degree in Sculpture. Through this study, she will continue to research the weave and its role in society. Because she is experimenting with the woven form cast in aluminum as well as the woven form cast in clay, she is interested in finding ways in which these two materials can work together. She would like for her work to be viewed from all dimensions, so she will continue her experimentation with various types of display. In the future, she is considering teaching at the collegiate level. Working in the educational field will allow her to continue creating original works while sharing her knowledge and love of art with others.
Artist Statement
As I have researched various types of weaves, I have become interested in the purpose of the weaves over time. I have begun to notice how the weave surrounds us in society. Many of the basic weaves were used for baskets. The satin and sumac weaves are commonly used for clothing today. Figuratively or structurally, we associate with the weave in language, lifestyles, and commodities. The weave has a history in our society as a woman’s art and craft, but the weave is utilized today because its strength has allowed it to become something we regularly depend on. While I work with the weave, I consider these occurrences and take them into consideration as I create my forms. I am interested in how the different types of weaves relate to one another and how they interact with one another when combined on a single surface. As I work with different mediums, I try to discover ways in which the mediums can be combined. Through the surface, I try to maintain the differences in the mediums while utilizing the similarities to create a piece that incorporates both mediums effectively.
The weave is precise, ordered, and strong; the process of weaving is meditative and calming. What began as a textural solution has become a structural element and directly relates to myself. Weaving provides me with direct control and; therefore, references the way that I try to conduct my life through organization, structure, perfection, and strength. However, despite all of these elements, there are still many struggles that result in tension, twists, and knots. Whether purposefully or by chance, nearly every woven structure has some form of a hole or cavity. These holes are like windows into my life. Sometimes I incorporate a light into these cavities so that the viewer will be drawn into them more, while other times I leave the cavities dark to be noticed only by those who take the time to look. The weaves are stretched very tightly, barely holding on to the steel form. Sometimes the strips break because they have been stretched beyond their limits; some breaks may be repaired, while others might leave a scar.
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