Art is the language of images: the strong communicator transcending time and culture. Often art must be listened to or read like a wordless book. In my recent work, I have started exploring aspects of storytelling through images. Like medieval illumination, which had to show setting, plot, and character to illiterate readers, my art uses common narrative devices to create its own visual literature.
I am often inspired by the imagery and symbolism in English literature as it explains the universal human experience. But my challenge as an artist is to push past the hindrance of words and delve into the heart of an image.
When I create, I always consider how my materials might be the agents of storytelling. Fiber, glass, wood, metal, paint, and paper all have their own unique physical properties. Each material evokes a different feeling and tells its own story. Choosing the right materials is critical for my creative process.
A piece of artwork feels complete to me when I am able to show it and my viewers give it new life. Art levels lan- guage barriers and reaches beyond words.
LAURA TABBUT 