Artist Statement

“Being a collector makes me a harder self-critic. When I’m actively creating artwork, I feel challenged.  I enjoy the process - sometimes more than the outcome.”

I work in various mediums - sculpting with clay, found object assemblage, making costumes for our 8 foot robot, Gort, to painting. What matters most to me is creating art with a message, communicating some kind of statement about current events or social causes. I have long regarded art as a means of heightening social awareness and effecting change, and am inspired by artists who have done so. I was exposed, for instance, to the work of Judith Mason during a visit to South Africa in 2010; since then, I think about her art on an almost daily basis, most notably about her 1998 triptych The Man Who Sang and the Woman Who Kept Silent (about two martyrs in the struggle against apartheid) in the Constitutional Court Art Collection in Johannesburg. This piece uses plastic bags. Such a simple material transformed into a powerful message. I aspire to the power and eloquence of Judith Mason’s work but I also make silly things. We all need to laugh once in awhile.

Although I have been creating art since I was 5, I still have a hard time calling myself an artist. I do not physically work on my art every day because I’d rather travel. There is nothing like different cultures, landscapes, and food for inspiration. During the pandemic, I stayed home and worked on my solo show, Family Reunion. Art is a great escape. In addition to making things, the art of giving is something I consider as an alternate channel for creativity. I enjoy helping other artists whenever I can by curating and planning exhibitions or engage in creative problem-solving like how to move a 900 lb adorned cow. I am also an avid art collector – living with objects by many different artists – definitely influences the way I approach my own work.  Being a collector makes me a tougher self-critic. When I’m actively creating artwork, I feel challenged. I enjoy the process - sometimes more than the outcome.

Nancy Larrew 2023