Kris Estenger
Artist Statement
www.krisestenger.com

The intent of my work is to explore contradiction to reveal the unobvious and discover inherent compatibilities.  Contradiction is portrayed through combining elements that don’t seem to relate at first, but upon thorough consideration, make perfect sense.  The style of my work seems loose and simplistic from a distance, but upon closer inspection, unexpected details are revealed.  This reflects my interest in thorough and meticulous explorations in order to identify that ‘things aren’t always as they seem.’   

Initial inspirations are usually textile, subject, or process driven, and the depth of my work increases when these elements coincide.  Using fiber and woven textiles to generate texture is a consistent theme.  Recycled industrial materials, like fiberglass, aramids, and metals symbolize used, spent, and undesirable.   Compatibility is achieved by combining torn and tattered weaves with spent materials and soft flowing forms.

Surface design processes include painting and dyeing wet fabrics, manipulating fabric weave using various tools and objects, assemblage, and engineering sculptural elements for application to a fiber surface.   

In the dress series, contradiction and compatibility are displayed by the use of recycled, dissipated, and abused materials to portray fashion and beauty. 

Currently, I’m working on a series, which explores the relationship between art, philosophy, and science.  My professional and educational background is in science, not art, and finding parallels between scientific theories/equations with art interests me.