Artist Denise Blanchard explores the boundaries of creative expression while using found and forgotten materials. See more by visiting her website.
“Flower Tea Cup” rice paper and pressed flower, 23 x 23 x 15 cm
In the allure of abandoned objects, I discover a profound fascination. I’m captivated by the unique shapes, intricate textures, and compelling designs that whisper tales of their past lives.
“Sacred Mantle” Empty used tea bags and nylon net, 6 x 2.40 cm
Through a transformative alchemy, I breathe new life into these overlooked fragments, fashioning them into unconventional works that carry both the weight of history and the promise of reinvention.
“Round Tea” empty used tea bags, 1.20 x 1.20 cm
I’m a collector of materials with stories to tell. I embark on a narrative journey with each creation, intertwining my personal experiences with the rich histories embedded in the materials themselves. These forgotten relics become the raw palette from which I weave a tapestry of my own story. I invite viewers to decipher the intricate threads that connect past, present, and imagination.
“Embroidery Tea Cup” used tea bags and thread, 23 x 23 x 15 cm
While my formal education led me down the path of teaching, my heart has long belonged to the world of art. For decades, I have immersed myself in a relentless pursuit of research and experimentation, sculpting my days with the clay of creativity. Art is not a possession; it is a symbiotic relationship that permeates every facet of my existence. It isn’t something you merely adopt. It intertwines with your essence, becoming an inseparable part of your being.
“New Horizon” book pages, thread, 80 x 90 cm
My transition from painting to textile art was a deliberate quest for innovation. It was a search for new materials that led me back to the fundamental textile techniques instilled in me during childhood, primarily by my mother and maternal grandmother. Each stitch, each fiber, carries the echoes of those early lessons. They form a bridge between tradition and contemporary expression.
“Stitched Origami” used tea bags, thread, 1.55 by 2.60 meters
In my creations, textile art emerges as a medium of boundless possibilities. It provides a canvas where discarded remnants metamorphose into stories waiting to be told. Through this practice, I aspire to create not just art, but an immersive experience. I want my work to transcend the boundaries of time and invite the observer to embark on a visual journey with me.
“Fireball” muslin fabric, paint, threads, 80 x 100 cm
Art, for me, is not a passive companion. It is a dynamic force that shapes and molds my existence. As I continue to explore and evolve, I am reminded that art is not a destination. It is the ever-unfolding path that we walk, leaving imprints of our stories with every step.
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