Stephanie Evans
2023 “Trees”
This body of work is inspired by nature and the cycles inherent in the natural world. The birth, growth, shedding and latency we see as trees move through the seasons are metaphors for the complex emotions that live in our humanness.
During a time of great and unrelenting change, I found comfort and grounding in the magic of the woods. Door County is bursting at the seams with a diverse and abundant array of trees. Cedar trees grow magically from the steep cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, while majestic ash trees are disappearing from our forests. They all have something to say.
The bark for each dress was taken by pressing a clay slab over a specific tree’s bark. That allowed me to make a mold and roll out a clay “veneer”. Each tree was thoughtfully chosen and resonated with my energy at the time.
I’m always asked, “Why dresses?” It’s about drawing inspiration from my inner world and expressing that to the outer world through my art – specifically in the form of a dress. The clothing is the outer manifestation of the inner dialogue that is occurring as I sculpt.
This collection of dresses is dedicated and inspired by my grams, who taught me to hug trees.
