Ashlyn Morgan Capps

Statement

My work primarily expresses the struggle of forming an individual identity undeterred by familial relationships.  An identity constantly reforming in reaction against and because of familial attachments.  Evocative, bodily forms illustrate this attachment by conjoining, immersing, and twisting around one another.  This cyclical pattern of attaching then pulling apart alludes to the vacillating struggle of attaining the upper hand.  As a result of manipulating fiber material by stuffing, stitching, and twisting—the process also becomes the content.  This process becomes a meditative one that allows me to express inner turmoil by giving it a separate and physical place to exist.  As I mend or transform material, I am also healing and nurturing my own identity.  In this way, my work is continuously evolving as new relationships and experiences inform my life.