Dream Landscape #1

by Stephanie Tichenor

“Throughout my career (as artist and educator) I have chosen to work with children. Children are infinitely inspirational for me, their energy, thirst for knowledge and insights are elating. I am not unlike a child, my aesthetic is childlike and messy, obsessive and sweet. My other influences include plants, animals, topography, cartoons, video games, plastic bits, toys, games, fruit, candy, sweets and treats. Previous works of mine include sewn thread paintings of stuffed animals and acrylic painted color studies of licorice. My current felt sculptures call back to my University focus in fiber arts, felt making and dying. Carding the wool, layering it as a warp and weft and hot/cold felting and needle felting these craft techniques are ancient, my take on it though, is not. It’s repetitive and calming despite using the brightest colors and exciting ideas. My dream landscape is filled with critters on a mountainous landscape. Cartoons and animated digital films inspire my anthropomorphized bugs, plants and monsters. Dream Landscape #1 felted wool, manufactured acrylic felt, thread 2024 34” length, 40” width, 17” height”