Brooke Marks-Swanson
Baskets: Increase/Decrease
August 4-31, 2016
Artist’s Reception: Saturday, August 6, 6-8pm
Velvet da Vinci is proud to present Baskets: Increase/Decrease, Brooke Marks-Swanson’s first solo exhibition at the gallery. The show will run from August 4-31, 2016. An opening reception with the artist will take place on Saturday, August 6 from 6-8pm.
On her most recent body of work, Marks-Swanson states:
“Born from the human need to protect ourselves from the elements, knitting quickly became a common thread throughout Europe and the Middle East early in the common era. To me, it represents the human need, artistry in its variations, and a universal language.
I discovered knitting looking for a personal connection, which quickly led to an obsession with the discovery of variation in a simple stitch. Through knitting fine leather, I have discovered a familiar vocabulary of the rigid construction common in metal fabrication. Sensitivity and quietness stems from purposeful parameters.
I draw inspiration from antiquing, which provides a visual reservoir of objects loaded with content and hints of remembrance. I was attracted to a massive strand of colorful, miniature, woven grass baskets that evoked a distant memory of traveling to Mexico as a child.
Baskets are powerful objects. They have existed since the beginning of man and throughout history—and still today in many cultures—are essential for transporting and storing the necessities of life. Like us, baskets contain memories, secrets, and human experience.
Through the purposeful combination of knit leather and basket form, I have found meaningful connections sustaining my need to challenge and respond.”
– Brooke Marks-Swanson, 2016
Marks-Swanson earned an MFA from the School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois and a BFA from the School of Fine Arts at Indiana University. Her jewelry has been featured in numerous publications including three Lark Books: 500 Plates and Chargers; The Craft of Silversmithing: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration; and The Art of Enameling: Techniques, Projects, Inspiration. Works by Marks-Swanson have exhibited internationally and can be found in the collection of the Muzeum w Walbrzychu, Walbrzych in Poland.
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #12, 2016, Neckpiece, Leather, horn, copper, 36”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #11, 2016, Neckpiece, Leather, silver, 18”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #6,, 2016, Neckpiece, Leather, silver, 22k gold leaf, rare earth magnet, 24”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Red Form Earrings, 2016, Leather, silver, 22k gold leaf
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #10 Neckpiece, 2016, Leather, silver, 18k gold, 22k gold leaf, 6” diameter, 24” long
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #17 Brooch, 2016, Leather, silver, 22k gold leaf, 4.25 x 1.5 x 1.5”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #5, 2016, Neckpiece, Leather, silver, 40″
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #18 Brooch, 2016, Sterling silver, 4 x 2.25 x 1.25
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Bundle Earrings, 2016, Leather, silver
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #14, 2016, Neckpiece, leather, silver, 22k gold leaf, 18”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #7, 2016, Neckpiece, leather, silver, 66”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #1, 2016, Neckpiece, leather, silver, 28”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Line, 2016, Earrings, leather, silver, 22k gold leaf
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #9, 2016, Neckpiece, leather, silver, 36”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #2, 2016, Neckpiece, leather, silver, 32”
Brooke Marks-Swanson, Basket #8, 2016, Neckpiece, leather, silver. 22k gold, 66”