Tabitha L.
Mitchell
www.compulsivejewelry.com
Artist Statement
As a visual artist it may
seem strange that I approach my work fingers first, but it is from the tactile
that my creativity arises. My work explores the relationships between metal and
fiber, hard and soft, cool and warm; ultimately leading to self exploration and
self discovery. The hard edges and angles of the outer structure competes with
and completes the soft and inviting interior. A delicate and private interior
that beckons loudly to be touched, caressed, and held, if only one is willing
to venture past the stiff and cold outer walls.
Biography (the short one)
Tabitha was born in New Jersey.
Unfortunately
she was discouraged from exploring the rich tapestry of art at an early age. Her
work never resembled any of the other children's art. Not even close. This led
to self ridicule and a general art avoidance. That her mother was a fabulous
artist didn't help in the slightest. The only pleasant childhood memory Tabitha
has of art is beading with her Grandmother, which she enjoyed as long as no one
else was around.
Jump
forward a few years. Then a hop to the left. Step to the right.
Somehow
Tabitha started selling beaded jewelry in 1999. The somehow isn't really
important (compliments + encouragement + leprechaun). What is important is that
quite unbeknownst to her she was actually "doing art". The
compliments and sales of her bead work helped to nourish her greatly
undernourished art soul. Her art soul was small and shrively, with a slight
grayish cast, but it grew slowly and soon took on a more pinkish pallor.
Skip
forward to today.
Tabitha
is a "reluctant artist". She still enjoys making and selling bead
work but has slowly branched out into metalsmithing and fiber art. She enjoys
collage and has been working on some new experimental artwork that's a bit on
the fringe.
Tabitha's
work still never resembles any of the other children's art. For some odd reason
she can smile at that today.
Click here to email me: tabitha@compulsivejewelry.com
Member of NJMAG
(New Jersey Metal Arts Guild)
Contributing Cornerstone Member of MAD
(Museum of Arts and Design, NYC)