Marjorie Fedyszyn
Skin Deep

Media: Artist made over-beaten abaca paper, latex acrylic paint, waxed linen thread

Artist Statement:
I am a multidisciplinary artist creating abstract forms and installations with roots deeply grounded in fiber arts. My art emerges from the intersection of identity and emotional memories tied to my loss of agency at a young age and my deep desire to control situations. I explore the notions of power, loss, love and vulnerability finding these to be universal in navigating the human condition. Abaca paper is my most recent medium in the telling of my personal narratives, gleaning a deeper understanding of the human spirit.

I was originally attracted to over-beaten abaca paper by its skin like quality and its appearance of fragility where instead is a durable and strong material. Beauty is only skin deep, yet our skin preserves complexities below the surface that can add and detract from our visual appearance. It acts as a protective layer both literally and figuratively holding in viscera as well as emotional fragility. It can act as a barrier or a bridge between one’s self and the world.

Skin Deep is my most recent exploration of these ideas. The private thoughts and memories of the interior are on display in their own twisted and distorted way while the exterior public face is of strength and resiliency.

Biography

Multidisciplinary artist, Marjorie Fedyszyn combines techniques from her former career as a scenic artist in theater with a life time of fiber arts skills to create abstracted narratives of her emotional histories through sculpture and installations. Paper making, drawing and hand sewing brings focus through these meditative techniques.

Fedyszyn is fortunate to have the support of a number of grants and fellowships; most recently a 2020 MN Artist Initiative Grant and the MCAD-Jerome Foundation Early Career Artist Fellowship. Her studio practice in the historic Casket Arts Building in NE Minneapolis includes, sculpture, painting, drawing and installation.