Deb Flagel
United States
Artist Statement
The underlying theme of my work relates to containers and containment. How we view objects – from within, from without, and looking through – reveals societal context and perspective.
Expanding on prior collage and assemblage work, I continue to explore the use of containers. Found in all aspects of our lives from bowls to brain -- we store. We feel the need to contain. We contain many things, including emotion. To hold space for grief and to hold space for creativity seem similar to me. To dissect containers, whether it be literally, figuratively, or metaphorically defines importance in my own life.
By tearing and cutting apart upcycled commercial packaging — symbols of weight measurement and cost — I observe my own participation in waste, management of, and the privilege that comes with purchase and convenience.
The underlying theme of my work relates to containers and containment. How we view objects – from within, from without, and looking through – reveals societal context and perspective.
Expanding on prior collage and assemblage work, I continue to explore the use of containers. Found in all aspects of our lives from bowls to brain -- we store. We feel the need to contain. We contain many things, including emotion. To hold space for grief and to hold space for creativity seem similar to me. To dissect containers, whether it be literally, figuratively, or metaphorically defines importance in my own life.
By tearing and cutting apart upcycled commercial packaging — symbols of weight measurement and cost — I observe my own participation in waste, management of, and the privilege that comes with purchase and convenience.
About Deb
