Artist Statement

“My education in contemporary sculpture has influenced my two dimensional work throughout my practice. A world of materials lies before the artist, each one presenting its own unique voice and history. My choice of medium is heavily influenced by the subject of a work, consequently, my practice is constantly evolving. I want the viewer to find something from their world, reflected back to them, in an unexpected manner.

I am drawn to the intimacy of both the scale and practice of embroidery. By presenting embroidered works in a contemporary context, I hope to challenge the hierarchy that values painting and sculpture above craft traditionally considered to be women’s work.

My current work attempts to displace the inherent voyeurism historically linked to the female form in art, and create a space where women are not just subjects, but rather the heroines of their own remarkable stories. The laborious nature of the work can't help but reference the historical constraints of femininity, and with each careful, meditative stitch, I humbly borrow from a long history of women using fiber work to speak in societies where they have struggled to be heard.”

Mindy Harris 2019

Biography

Mindy Harris is a multidisciplinary artist currently living and working in Lewis Lake, Nova Scotia. Harris received her BFA from the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design (NSCAD) in Halifax, NS. She has publicly presented work in a variety of mediums, including embroidery, sculpture, painting and handcrafted filmmaking. Her work can be found in private collections across North America.