My visual art practice explores human experiences through memory, imagination, attachment, and relationships. Personal collections, childhood and family objects, and human-animal friendships are narrative. My studio The Artistic Hare is named after Mr. Biggs, my Flemish Giant house rabbit and studio companion, fondly dubbed “the artistic hare” by my husband.
The personal nature of artmaking provides insight into my experiences growing up in the coastal redwoods of Humboldt County, animal companions, family, faith, and learning to own my artistic identity, as well as experiences with depression, disability, poverty, hoarding, and loss. Meaningful possessions, the hand-made, books, printing, scientific illustrations, art Nouveau, cabinets of curiosity, and natural materials inspire me. I believe the things, spaces, and people that each person “curates” during their life form an extended narration of the burdens and blessings of being alive.
My process utilizes illustration, painting, printmaking, fiber-work, sewing, toy design, book arts, photography, and collage/assemblage, emphasizing storytelling using texture, color, line, and form. My recent series titled “Cat Toy Narratives” are intimately sized acrylic gouache illustrations of pet toys owned by my cats, portrayed using a documentative scientific illustration format. Pet toys can be viewed as tangible symbols of attachment and memory, with their illustrations creating space for the awareness of meaningfulness. I am interested in expanding on this series by collecting illustrations of pet toys from other people’s lives, along with the stories of the human-animal relationships that go with them. My artistic practice creates spaces where we can embrace our often-tangled memories, narratives, emotions, observations, and self-perceptions.
Sincerely,
Lacey Condon
Artist, Artelierista