Totem Shriver’s Artist Statement

The forms I return to in my wood carvings, collage, paintings, and ceramics are images abstracted from life, as a riff on something I have observed or dreamt.  Even though I spend most of my time carving wood, as a teacher I am involved in many diverse media. Among the many interests I have in the art world are indigenous design and the natural world. In both there rarely are straight rigid lines, shapes, or forms, instead organic flowing entities spring forth. Life is not straight and narrow to the curious. 

My lived experience is one of vitality, spirit, and intrigue. Balance is extremely important to my design process, and I spend much time in the contemplation of such. An asymmetrical composition is common, one where I have fussed over at the end so that it is flawlessly executed in a design sense. I feel that the person who understands what I am up to is a seeker and someone quite possibly desiring to surround themselves with talismans or amulets to create a personal magical space, an environment to exist within and share with others. 

At this point the images seem to be embedded within my being to the point of dreaming in this same vein. Among my goals in creating abstracted works are to use only the lines and forms that speak to the essence of a thing. I do not desire to tell a complete story however as this will be done by the person taking my piece home or viewing it in a public space. Evoking emotion and nuance are at the root of these forms when I am in the process of composing, carving and hand-building. The connection between my work and myself is strong. These pieces are quite frankly my life, my breath, my dreams. Please take a moment to have your own experience. 

Chloe Raymond’s Artist Statement

My work has always revolved around a central theme – time. It is a requirement in both the conception of an idea, as well as the carving process itself. Over the past 16 years, I have come to understand time in another way – making time for my creative practice. Although my artmaking has ebbed and flowed, I have always appreciated that carving has been there for me to return to. I feel that I am my most authentic self when I am consistently making art. It is a dedicated space where I can process my hopes, fears, anxieties, and dreams. I appreciate the physicality of carving itself and utilizing an intuitive approach to my designs. The creative experience is enhanced by working with a medium that has its own unique voice. It is special to work with a material that has lived a previous existence before coming to serve my purposes. Just like us, trees are exposed to various events and factors throughout their lifespan. In turn, each is affected in a unique way. I feel that the individualistic qualities that the wood possesses are worth preserving. Therefore, I seek to find a balance between the natural characteristics of the wood and the mark that I leave.