Tracy Rose Guajardo

BFA Artist Statement

Mark making involves more than graphite to paper. It also includes stitching, knotting, arranging, cutting. It is an active process of combining diverse objects in interesting or exciting ways. It is the presence of the hand, the intimacy of touch. Materiality has always been a concern in my creation process. I have never been satisfied with holding myself to one medium or one discipline. Why can’t drawing include sewing? Why can’t photography be sculptural? These are the types of questions I explore in my work, experimenting with all types of materials.

The human body is the source material for much of my recent work. I love how the different systems and functions of our bodies are compiled of individual organs that must work together. These parts can be quite gross, even with moments of repulsion, and at the same time, they can be very beautiful. My fascination with these internal parts is coupled with my love of exploration of materials. What happens when something industrial like steel is paired up with the fragility of thread and fabric? How does that piece dialogue with something even more delicate, like hand cut paper? As with previous work, several different materials can be seen within these recent investigations. But I think that the condition of the body would not be satisfied with just one media. Often I approach my work with a sense of wonder and curiosity, perhaps with an almost child-like inquiry. The internal body is a wonderful vehicle for this exploration. Here I can give parts new life through enlargement, embellishment or humor. This light-hearted approach to the body is observational, a questioning-discovery about our insides, about materials, and about a love for creating.