Marcee Blackerby

Artist Statement
I work in mixed media, creating with found objects.  I feel this gives me a sense of freedom in having such an unrestricted source of materials to choose from.  The strange and disconnected are the stuff of my creations.   These come with history and character, sometimes light-hearted, sometimes dark.  But each thing has individual memory and spark.  An object often takes unexpected directions, as if having intelligence and creative expression of its’ own.   It is precisely this unexpected result, when the common thing becomes art, that intrigues me.

In placement, I attempt to explore secrets connected to objects, and present or create mystery behind social and human icons.  I like the idea of resurrecting the discarded and obsolete, putting them on center stage with a new purpose and life, perhaps creating a window into another dimension.

I often use a box, which gives me another dimension to work in, resulting in  a more theatrical viewer experience.  I see the box as a universal symbol among all humans.  We box up our dreams and our remains, our treasures and  secrets.  There is magic in the unopened box, the fabled chest, and the ancient tomb.  And it is often within the countenance of a box that we discover the heart of the culture.

My fascination with language and love of story-telling often leads me to take a narrative approach to art.  I am enticed by the idea of attracting a kind of voyeuristic experience with my audience.  I try to create enough mystery to absorb and invite emotional play.  And I am always hoping for love at first sight.