Tanya Wilkinson

Artist Statement

I am Feminist artist and author based in San Francisco. I began my art life as a hand papermaker, then progressed to printmaking, collage, assemblage, mixed media sculpture, fiber art and book arts. Typically I pursue a creative tinkering, making use of whatever comes to hand. This strategy that has its roots in personal, domestic life, traditionally women’s worlds. I combine found objects and found images with paper I have made, frameworks I have constructed, books I have stitched or folded, fabrics I have sewn. Mark-making with a range of media and various printing methods are part of my practice.

Gender politics and dynamics are a recurrent theme in my work. Often my interest in archetypal stories—fairytales, legends and myths—inspires large scale constructions, as well as smaller assemblages and artists’ books. On occasion an artwork begins with a rich texture or luscious color producing a piece that revels in the materials, simply for the joy of making.