Singular Stories From A sizable Spool: Mandala Sculpture

Ellen Schiffman is a multimedia artist with a fascination for texture, pattern and sculptural forms. Fiber and fiber art techniques have often been at the core of what she creates. In addition to the richness, complexity and beauty she finds she can achieve with fiber, she is drawn to the historical and multi-cultural richness of fiber making traditions. Beyond fiber, Ellen Schiffman is an avid explorer of materials. Although she frequently uses traditional art materials such as paint, ink and clay in her artwork, she also turns to unexpected, often commonplace materials. These materials include cotton twill tape, items from nature, found objects, Q Tips and more. Her inspiration is drawn from across cultures and time, with imagery inspired both by the randomness of nature and the intentionality and splendor of human creations. Moments of vulnerability, transition and serendipity, as well as the beauty of imperfection, all interest her. While the work embodies fragility, it also speaks of the possibility of change, growth and resilience.