Exhibitions

Staci Swider | “Vessels of the Elder Goddess” | July 12th — August 31st | Opening Reception July 18th from 5:30pm — 8:30pm

Public Works Art Center presents works by celebrated artist Staci Swider (b. 1964, Pennsylvania). The first public exhibition in the U.S. of
Swider’s mixed media collage, textile forms, and related constructions Vessels of the Elder Goddess: New Works by Staci Swider showcases the culmination of 2 years of exploration combining paint and textiles as wall-hung” tapestries” and 3d forms. More than twenty collages and textile sculptures form the centerpiece of the exhibition culminating in a 15’ canoe created from fabric, paper, and fur. Begun in 2022, these works are
described by Swider as “the expression of an idea formed while swinging in my hammock dreaming of our soul’s guardians and how they manage to carry the weight of our lives.” Produced using her unique combinations of artistic materials the works draw the viewer in with their complex details portrayed in accessible forms and symbols. Merging the traditional techniques of painting and stitching with Swider’s decades of exploration of mixed media, the works are Swider’s major work of the past 3 years.

Consistently, Swider has pushed the boundaries of collage by combining materials such as
paper, Persian rugs, stitching, and painting into seamless compositions. Her background as a
fabric designer and fine art painter has led to her inventive combination of materials and
symbolism not to be missed.
For further information about Staci Swider’s work, please visit her website at
www.staciswider.com or email studio@staciswider.com.

Bio
Staci Swider began her career as a textile designer in the home furnishings industry where she was
known for her innovative designs and won many accolades. Today her award-winning collage paintings
infused with fiber art are exhibited in galleries across the Southeast.
She is a juried member of the National Association of Women Artists as well as the South Carolina
chapter of NAWA. She is trained as a Certified GOLDEN Artist Educator and her bestselling book, Acrylic
Expressions, along with 4 instructional painting videos published by Random House are available at
major retailers and online.
When she is not traveling around the globe in search of inspiration, or enjoying the waterways with her
husband on their trawler named Morning Star, she makes her home in Aiken, SC. Her studio can be
visited by appointment.

Artist Statement
My work focuses on exploring the concept of one's soul journey. I am fascinated by the mythic idea
of one’s daimon, or spiritual companion, who carries our destiny according to Plato. This notion
brings me comfort, as it suggests that someone or something is constantly looking out for us and
keeping us safe. I refer to the daimon as “the Grandmothers,” believing that they emanate from our
female relatives and ancestors, acting as a collective blanket of safety. I often wonder how they bear
such a significant responsibility, both physically and emotionally. I wonder where they reside and
how they manage. While considering this question, he idea of a boat-shaped vessel effortlessly
gliding through the cosmos came to me while I was relaxing in my hammock, and I now refer to
these vessels as soul sleds. They are the carriers through which the Grandmothers bear the weight
of our lives and watch over us.
My work involves a combination of collage and stitching, using painted canvas, papers, textiles,
found objects, and paint. My pieces tend to evolve organically from a sketch of an idea, quickly
giving way to intuition and synchronicity. I often sift through bins of old works, and my studio floor is
strewn with collections of fabrics, bits of old paintings, and sketches. It is from this randomness that
my ideas are born; a piece of vibrant silk may lay atop a discarded portrait sketch, or sheets of
painted papers created over the years may come together to form unusual combinations of color and
pattern. Bringing together these seemingly random accidents takes time, and careful editing makes
them appear intentional, reflecting my signature style, heavily influenced by my Eastern European
heritage. Textured black, red threads and stitching, gold embellishments, and tatted lace are stored
in my memories and filter back out onto the walls as my modern interpretation of ancient symbols
and patterns.