Comment

Comment by Alison Greer Pack on April 25, 2010 at 2:06pm

Alison Pack- Artist Statement

As a metalsmith, I use the processes of shell forming, raising, and fabrication. I employ color on metal techniques using Prismacolor pencils and acrylic paints. I work with non-ferrous metals; specifically, copper and sterling silver. Because of the precious nature of the material I use and my experiences, I draw from two worlds: jewelry and metalsmithing; hence I work on a small scale. Color helps convey the duality of each piece; parts of the female anatomy morph with ordinary functional objects to create humorous fantasies with sexual overtones. The colors and surface treatments I choose further emphasize the sublime qualities of the works. I focus primarily on ornamentation; therefore, the pieces maintain the integrity of the metal while alluding to the beauty of decorative surfaces such as fabrics and icing.
My narratives pursue stereotypes, misconceptions and clichés of womanhood. As a traditional southern girl, tools were considered inappropriate and unfeminine. Ironically, the development of my hand-skills through sawing, filing and forming proved to be powerful expressions of my femininity and sexuality as well as commemorative pieces enabling me to re-live some of my life experiences.