Folded Poetry, by Eliza Redmann
Artist Statement:
Through this work, I offer my community a story of resiliency. When a car accident upended my health, personal life, and career as an architect, I was forced to reinvent myself. I found a way to utilize my creative potential for healing through art.
This work is inspired by the persistent visual disturbances caused by my traumatic brain injury. Often when I look at patterns, they appear to swim or move on their own accord, much like an optical illusion. Through this work I seek to capture the structure of regular patterns and shapes while adding a layer of geometric information which the eyes and brain can't quite make sense of. In representing the symptoms of my traumatic brain injury visually, I challenge viewers to perceive outside of what is normal or traditional, just as I must now live, adapt, and navigate the world in new ways.
Using 3D modeling software, I design the entire work of art in a digital space before ‘unfoldingʼ it piece by piece. I flatten each entity to be printed, cut, and folded - born into its physical form. I use simple materials - cardstock paper, foam board, and Elmer’s glue. I selectively use color to enhance the geometry, focusing primarily on line and shadow.
My hope is that my art resonates with community members by demonstrating that no matter how dire the circumstances, hope is available to each of us to transform our lives for the better.
Meet the Artist
How Eliza Does Their Work
Kathryn H. Wallace Artist in Community Service
Eliza was the 2021 Kathryn H. Wallace Artist in Community Service recipient. This endowment honors Kathryn H. Wallace, a longtime community volunteer in the arts who maintained a deep belief that individuals, corporations, and society as a whole should support the work of individual artists. Her endowment funds the stipend of an artist who has, “through his or her art and/or other activities, made a significant contribution to the local community.”
For years, Eliza has been a volunteer with Durham Area Designers, an organization that advocates for better cities and public spaces by providing a forum to discuss architecture and urban design, and facilitating community design workshops to engage citizens in the transformation of their city. Working with both government and nonprofit agencies, Durham Area Designers helps envision urban environments which are safer, more inclusive, environmentally and culturally-responsible while facilitating smart growth.
Interested in learning more about Eliza or making a purchase?
See more of Eliza's work on their website, and follow them on Instagram (@folded_poetry).
Information on materials, size, and pricing of the pieces in the Folded Poetry exhibition can be found here. If you are interested in purchasing any of the pieces, please contact Katie Seiz, Executive Director of Durham Art Guild at gallerydirector@durhamartguild.org. All sales from this venue are processed through the Durham Art Guild.