B. Avery Syrig

Artist Statement

My work speaks about the forces in modern culture -- which I call form for living -- that paradoxically both bind and shape our experiences with other people. These forms for living are designated without our individual input, giving us both boundaries that hinder and structures to grow from. 

In this series of hanging sculptures, fiber, handmade abaca paper, paper birch bark, and wool roving are woven and twisted together to create a complex web. Within this web of societal demands, personal dreams, and the needs of reality; stressful tensions and beautiful predicaments are found. The taming and weaving together of these opposing forces seems to be a critical step and constant feat within a person's life. Natural materials, more akin to skin and hair, depict the intimate mark these forces have on the development and care of the self.  

Through all of my work, my hope is that viewers can bring their own experiences to understand its emotional dimensions without the simplification of the written word.

B. Avery Syrig

June 20, 2011