We are honoured to have the fine art series "This one goes out to the one I love..." by Krista published in our latest issue of OPALUS. This truly engaging series addresses her experience of "...working through frustrations and the emotions inherent in wanting to help, support and 'save' a loved one who really may not want, need, or even, at this point, be capable of being 'saved'."
We found this series so fascinating and each piece so individually strong that we felt we needed to create a special 3 part interview series with Krista to give us more insight on three of our favourite pieces from the series, and discover more about her brilliant perspective and imagination.
Part Two - " TACITURN PACHYDERM"
Title - Taciturn Pachyderm
(paper lantern)
Size - 24” X 16”
Medium - Ornamental Paper, Paverpol, Pendent Light fixture
OPALUS
Please tell us about the meaning behind "Taciturn Pachyderm."
KRISTA ACHESON
That piece was hung above all the other pieces overlooking the exhibit and was meant to be my "elephant in the room".
It was a male figure composed of tiny elephants I cut out of ornamental paper and made into a light fixture. "Taciturn" means uncommunicative and secretive.. so I think it's title was the best way to communicate how little success I was having in trying to dissect the situation and how it still loomed over and permeated everything.
OPALUS
You have many different mediums that you have used in this series, from painting to sculpture, is there one medium in particular that feels the best for you to work with?
KRISTA ACHESON
I usually pick the medium that feels right for what I'm expressing. When I'm documenting an event it feels right to paint and encrypt symbolism, like I'm taking notes.
Painting is more a result of something personal I'm dealing with. Like writing in a diary.
When I sculpt it usually means there's still a heavy emotional involvement with the topic, and squishing clay is my artistic equivalent to squishing a stress ball.
The fiber art pieces ( "Wish you were here?", and the making of duplicate "Dissection" rat purses) were really repetitive and time consuming to create. This helped me a lot with my tendency to ruminate and relieved some mental agitation. It was practically stimming behavior. Very much the same experience with cutting out hundreds of tiny paper elephants.
So I guess the different mediums kind of subtly communicate how I'm internally feeling about the topic of the piece and how the art piece is helping me work through the emotions. I also think, in the end, it results in a more dynamic and interesting show.
OPALUS
What beverage do you most often have when creating?
KRISTA ACHESON
Depending on the emotional need at the time it can be liquor, coffee or chai tea.
An Image from Krista's series in OPALUS.
OPALUS
What can we look forward to in the future from you?
KRISTA ACHESON
I will be participating in a group show entitled "Talking Creatures", under the alias " Gerri Harden" at the AGSA where I'll have a series of new sculpture pieces. The opening reception is March 5 from 6 – 8:30 pm and the show runs until May 2.
I am also currently applying at galleries in hopes to hold my next show entitled " Cat's in the Cradle", which will be a similar mixed media installation styled show as "This one goes out to the one I love..."
OPALUS
Where can we buy a piece from this series to have in our home?
KRISTA ACHESON
You can either contact me at kristaacheson@kristaacheson.com or on my etsy shop. (www.etsy.com/ca/shop/FetusFactory)
Thank you to Krista for sharing your imagination and fascinating perspective with us! Enjoy the rest of her pieces in OPALUS starting at page 22, and come back soon for part 3 of this artists' interview, something not to be missed!
