Kris Estenger
Artist Statement

The intent of my work is to inspire deeper analysis in order to reveal the unobvious. My plight to understand the misunderstood is portrayed in my work 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 expose hidden truths.

Initial inspirations are usually textile, subject, or process driven, and the depth of my work increases when these elements coincide.  Using textiles to generate texture is a consistent theme.  I am attracted to combining torn and tattered weaves with soft flowing forms in order to discover their inherent compatibility.   Recycled industrial materials, like fiberglass, aramids, and metals, provide endless combinations of weave, thickness, and texture.  Surface design processes include painting and dyeing wet fabrics, manipulating fabric weave using various tools and objects, and engineering sculptural elements to apply to the quilt surface.  

The dress quilt series fulfills my intuitive need to combine fit, form, and flow with protective armor.  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.