Artist Statement
Laura Dunn

The cradle is an object for holding, comforting and protecting the innocent;
the empty cradle is a mystery. It is this emptiness and mystery that my work 
attempts to question. 

Having recently begun a series of works woven on a simple four-harness loom,
it naturally followed that my piece would be woven.   

The ordinary and ubiquitous plastic grocery bag is my medium of choice.  I am 
very much interested in reuse of materials readily available and in abundance 
not only for the ecological implications but also as an investigation into 
transformation and what happens when we look at something in a new way.  

The utter incomprehension at the fact of the plight of these orphans might 
be assuaged through art.  To look at it through a different lens might create 
the bridge for understanding and healing.  Through my chosen medium I hope to 
explicate my belief that there is worth to be found in even the most mundane of 
materials if given the structure and framework in which to grow. 

The form is roughly cradle-like yet it remains disconcertingly amorphous.  It�s 
fluid, indistinct quality enhances a sense of anonymity.  Additionally, the 
piece carries a visual weight despite its meager mass.  All of these aspects 
come together to symbolize the nameless multitude facing an uncertain future

Finally the work is suspended to signify Ascent: a levitation up out of the 
dust of the landfill � a rebirth and renewal.

TITLE:		RENEW

MEDIA:		Plastic grocery bags, plastic tubing, linen warp

SIZE:		47�X30�X13�