Featured Artist: Marilyn Casto

From April 14th, to June 2nd, we present "Refuse/Re-seen" during which we'll focus on individual artists here on our blog.  Today, we're pleased to introduce to you: Marilyn Casto

Arty Trash, 16 x 20", 2012

My work focuses on two dimensions of design—color and texture. Color evokes emotional responses in viewers and is the first design element that most people notice when they see artwork.  As such, it strongly impacts perceptions. Texture, a more subtle design component, is integral to fiber art. Even when the viewer does not physically touch the art, haptic qualities bring memories of past tactile experiences and permits visual perception to suggest a sense of touch. Duality of hard and soft surfaces creates a contrast that draws attention to tactile qualities. My work integrates an overall geometric placement of design elements that reflects its structured designed quality, while referencing organic qualities of the human-made, rather than machine-made. Structured symmetrical placement coexists with irregularity of edges and surfaces and so joins conscious placement with intuitive shaping.

Detail

 I am a mixed media artist and design historian. My work often uses traditional materials or techniques in nontraditional ways and incorporates utilitarian crafts associated with women into art objects. Aspects of knitting or quilting often appear in my work, although in unconventional ways. I have spoken and written nationally and internationally on various aspects of design history, especially that of the nineteenth century and have taught courses on the arts and crafts movement, as well as architectural and design history. My work has appeared in shows in Virginia, Texas, and Colorado.