SHARON HAVELKA
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Memphis, TN | Sculpture, Mixed Media
Bio:
Sharon Havelka was born and currently lives in Memphis, TN. She experiments with the traditional craft of quilting by using clothes, linens, and other found materials given to her by family and friends. The history and experience of the three generations of her family who once immigrated from southern China to the Mississippi Delta are worn in these unique, threadbare fabrics. As also an ICU RN she is inspired by the physiology of the body and brain, permeating her art as shape, form, and function. She received her BFA from Memphis College of Art. Her work has been shown in local, national, and international shows such as Delta Arts, Quilt National, and Fiberart International. She received the Arts Accelerator grant, was a Crosstown Arts resident, and had a solo show at Christian Brothers University.
Statement:
My work highlights the marginalized, the overlooked, that which is considered weird or unusual, and sewn into beautifully crafted and highly detailed objects. I honor the precious material given by family and friends as well as the meticulous process of the handcrafted. In addition to incorporating and reforming memory and history, using leftover materials is a direct response to the disparities in access vs excess in today's world. It also involves learning to work with what I have rather than choose what I want. My intent is to engage the audience with themes of past and present, permanence and temporary, growth and decay, life and death.
The quilts presented here are free motion quilted over the preexisting pattern. They are then turned over and each section is cut open, trapunto style stuffed, and hand stitched closed. The stuffing is also from family and friends - such as old pillows and stuffed animals, and cut up clothes. The hand lathed black walnut used is from local and naturally fallen trees.