Roots In Identity | Degree Show 2023

Artist Statement 06/2023

My practice has a basis within traditional sculpture, with a contemporary approach to the context. The process comes hand in hand with the outcome, which includes research and thematic exploration. Together the result becomes complete. My choice of medium is wood for its intricacies, space for symbolism and the varied possibilities of creating. Most recently my research has taken me into the realm of identity, and more significantly the investigation of the relationship between oneself and their nationality. Immigrating as a young child from Poland to the UK allows me to draw emotion from personal experience. Currently, I have begun to develop and branch out into the theme of diaspora, to gain a deeper understanding of cultural development.

Roots In Identity

The work on display is a cumulation of complexities found within the exploration of my own roots and the core of my nationhood. It has been an investigation of the dreaded question ‘Who am I?’. The drawings featured are my family members, each with a different history. The sculptures reference the subconscious impact that nationality has on identity. All work is connected through the medium of wood. I collected birchwood from the forest in my homeland to then bring it to Scotland, turn it into charcoal to be then used to produce the drawings, and ash to create glazes for the ceramic pieces. The sculpture in the middle is your place, in the balance of your history.

I would like to go into more detail on my findings over the last year but for now here is the final installation. However, for now explore the end product.

Gabi

See you next time!