Break Up

Maria Shell

40 x 30 inches

2018

ARTIST STATEMENT

Northerners have special names for the mucky weather of spring. In Alaska, we call this time of the year Break Up. Snow from the mountains begins to melt and dirt roads become creeks. Ice rots and mud rules. The change is so slow that we all grow impatient wanting the light, the sun, the dry land. I love this season. Everyone’s yard looks like a junkyard. There is no snow or leaves to hid your business. You spend your days adding and subtracting layers of clothing, and the sunlight just keeps coming. It is a restless, naked season, I think.

MATERIALS

Vintage, contemporary, and hand dyed fabrics, batting, thread

GUIDE BY CELL NUMBER

To hear the artist speak about the artwork, call (703) 520-6404 and enter 2203 followed by the # sign.