Artist Statement

"Some Nothings” is a reference to Lucy Lippard’s essay Making Something from Nothing in which she critiques the lack of reception of fiber arts into the patriarchal art world. She states that, “Visual consciousness raising…still has a long way to go before our visions are sufficiently cleared to see all the arts of making as equal products of a creative impulse… before the idea is no longer to make nothings into somethings, but to transform and give meaning to all things.” 

In my practice, I explore ways by which to honor the mediums that were historically accessible to women in such a way that assumes these practices are worthy of all the same honor and prestige as the historically male-dominated mediums seen in most museums and galleries. Rather than making quilts to look like paintings or turning weavings into sculpture, the goal of my work is to subjugate traditional “fine art” mediums and “high art” subject matter to those historically determined as “craft,” “decoration,” or “low art.” 

I do this, in part, as a means of honoring what has been derisively termed “women’s work”, gain appreciation for artistic practices I had been socialized to condescend, seek healing, and discover new connection to my matrilineage. I also invite viewers into a space where they are asked to consider their own preconceptions toward the artist or the materials of the work and transform their thinking about the kinds assumptions they may hold in hopes that we can begin to honor the “nothings” as “somethings” in their own right. 

My artistic practice also empowers me to take up space, reflect, and practice self-compassion. At times, work and focus can be challenging due to mental health challenges, and I can feel paralyzed by the millions of thoughts bouncing around in my head. My studio work provides a safe place to sit with these emotions and process through making.


Biography

Michelle Blackstone is a Columbus-based artist from the Cincinnati area. She has loved art ever since she was a kid drawing on the bottom of the kitchen table. After obtaining her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, Michelle went on to complete her Master of Fine Arts in Visual Arts from Lesley University. She continues to work as both an artist and graphic designer and loves the sense of connection and belonging that art offers. Her work follows a thread of obstructions, investigating the ways in which historically gendered philosophies and traditionally gendered materials create obstructions in the way that art is viewed and received. Bringing together elements of craft and textiles such as dyeing, weaving, needlework, and quilting alongside landscape and oil painting, her work calls for a reconsideration of gendered categories. Blurring these lines, she seeks to disencumber the lens through which certain types of work are viewed while honoring the contributions and labor of women throughout history whose thankless necessity-work we look to with admiration.