Zofia Chamera

Artist Statement

Zofia Chamera - Artist Statement

As a figurative sculptress, my foundation is in using traditional mediums such as clay, wax, and bronze; however, my most creative works come from exploring non-conventional materials such as tree bark and handmade paper. Experimenting with different fibers such as flax, cotton, kozo, and abaca, I?ve found that each has its own physical properties ranging from shrinkage, fiber size, texture, and transparency. The fragile, wet sheets of paper are layered into rubber molds to create a solid structure, which on the surface appears to be delicate, but in fact, embodies the strength of any plaster or wax cast. From the scale of a true forest to an over-life-sized figure, I push the structural boundaries of paper as a sculpting material. Allowing the process of hand papermaking to guide my work, I focus on the craft and how it breaks away from classical fine art materials.

Growing up I always spent countless hours out in the woods getting my hands dirty; out there I discovered the tactility of different materials, and this piqued my interest in investigating new mediums. This fascination with the natural world and my surroundings has constantly inspired my projects. I draw, sculpt, and observe from life; revealing those small surface details that tend to go unnoticed by the inexperienced eye. As my practice has evolved, research and exploration have become crucial, from studying a specific animal?s anatomy to experimenting with different fibers; my work represents the essence of life-long learning.