About my work

My work is to a big extent coloured with the notion that 'things' are not clearly defined. Events and things do not begin or end at a certain moment, but rather are a result of ongoing processes that often don't seem to have any connection with each other, yet are crucial in creating an 'event', a certain reality.
This notion in itself is of course nothing new, but for me this aspect of reality is very fascinating, puzzling, disturbing and comforting at the same time.

In the last period, I have made works, which are constructed out of cell- and root-like particles. These ‘cells’ and ‘roots’ are made of different materials such as silicone, porcelain, minerals and fabric, often connected by means of sewing.
The Act of Sewing symbolizes for me the eternal, human attempt to create, protect, mend and reconstruct.

Sewing has evolved in my latest works into an inevitable part of the work in terms of creating meaning and constructing form at the same time.
While sewing I embody the process of development, step by step, creating paths, recognizing patterns and directions, reacting on them … creating realities, making some unplanned, improvised embroidery. At the same time I realize how an insignificant line can become substantial, meaningful in the total pattern that emerges.

The organic, cell and tree - like forms, express my preoccupation with the fact that everything is in continuous process of change.
The processes of change in the organisms; growth, development, and disintegration, are in my view the ultimate metaphors for this feeling.

Ela Bauer 2009