Melissa Harshman
Georgia
Artist Statement Submitted 2017
My latest work involves the combination of printmaking, installation, crochet, and sewing. This is a new direction in my work inspired by 19th century Danish painter Johan Laurents Jensen and 17th century Flemish painter Daniel Seghers.Recent pieces have been configured to echo the shape of a mandala. The linoleum prints have been organized concentrically with the crochet flowers in the middle or as part of the circular construction. I am interested in the aesthetic relationship between the prints and crochet flowers.
I have also experimented sewing with and onto prints. These pieces have opened up a new line of inquiry into the construction of the work. I plan to sew prints together to create larger works as well as investigate sewing smaller prints onto larger prints to create a multi-layered affect.
This work provides an outlet for my love of pattern, newfound interest in sewing, and exploration in color.
