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I am currently in the process of adding more works to this page and as such, some elements are not complete. Please check back as new photos and descriptions are posted regularly.
Thank you for visiting.
Tiffany Trotter
Thank you for visiting.
Tiffany Trotter
Paper building
I began this work with the title "Growth and Decay" and thought about ways in which I could depict these words and their relationship to each other. I eventually settled on the visual of a rotting fence with a fresh vines growing on and through it. For me this piece took on several different meanings, one was the idea of new growing from old. Another meaning for me was the idea that in order to build that fence, man cut down a tree and now after much time has passed nature is reclaiming what was always hers. I enjoyed making this piece; though it was time-consuming cutting out all the details and then weaving the paper together and mounting it to the wall, it was very satisfying to see my sketches come to life in this new medium.
Growth and Decay
2015
Paper
2015
Paper
Reuse repurpose
In this work I was challenged to completely transform an object/material. More than that, I wanted the work to have a meaning that wasn't about transformation of material. I began by purchasing several plastic laundry baskets and I cut them up and reassembled them to create the frame of the apron. I then purchased large sheets of old fabric, cut them up and wove them through the plastic frame. Lastly, I added decorative elements to complete the look. For me, this work is about the traditional role of women in society. The apron represents a woman's traditional role of mother, housekeeper and caregiver. The apron is made of repurposed laundry baskets yet another symbol of the traditional role of women in the home. I also modeled the design of the apron and used patterns from the 1950's. The last aspect to consider was how the work would be displayed. I chose to hang the work with fishing line and strong lighting to allow the viewer to imagine the woman who would have lived within this traditional role; further it allows the viewer to stand within the work and wear the apron, putting themselves into the role.
Mother
2015
Fabric, adhesive and plastic laundry baskets
2015
Fabric, adhesive and plastic laundry baskets
Furniture
Coffee Table
2015
Plywood and fixtures
2015
Plywood and fixtures
seeing inside
In this work I was tasked with creating a non-representation form. This proved to be more difficult than I had originally thought so I decided to begin with lines. I have always had a preference for curved and organic lines and so I began by drawing some lines on my plaster block. These lines eventually became the piece you see below. I enjoy the way the curves of this piece radiate out and I enjoyed watching it slowly reveal itself as I carved.
Ripple
2015
Plaster
2015
Plaster
earth building
These works were created through the act of manipulating earthen-ware or clay. In each work, I found new sources of inspiration and strived to create objects which were well crafted, functional when intended and beautiful. Creating objects as opposed to manipulating surface is a completely different way of thinking and forces you, as the artist, to tackle new challenges; such as gravity. In each work I pushed myself to find a new way of working, expanding my technical ability and knowledge of the material; in this way I found new ways to create my vision from a lump of clay.
Twisting
2014
Coil-built clay and glaze
The form of this piece was based on a traditional porcelain vase, which was decorated with flowers and was created when the porcelain boom occurred in Europe. In creating this vase I wanted to keep the spirit of the original but manipulate it into something new. After creating the form I began working on the surface design specifically manipulating the branches and flowers to emphasize the form while helping to keep the viewer's eye moving further highlighting its three-dimensionality.
2014
Coil-built clay and glaze
The form of this piece was based on a traditional porcelain vase, which was decorated with flowers and was created when the porcelain boom occurred in Europe. In creating this vase I wanted to keep the spirit of the original but manipulate it into something new. After creating the form I began working on the surface design specifically manipulating the branches and flowers to emphasize the form while helping to keep the viewer's eye moving further highlighting its three-dimensionality.
Foxy
2014
Clay and glaze
THIS IMAGE WAS TAKEN BEFORE GLAZING AND FIRING; MORE IMAGES TO COME!
In this work I set out to create one of my favorite animals; a red fox. I wanted to capture the qualities of this animal that I have always loved; curiosity and elegance.
2014
Clay and glaze
THIS IMAGE WAS TAKEN BEFORE GLAZING AND FIRING; MORE IMAGES TO COME!
In this work I set out to create one of my favorite animals; a red fox. I wanted to capture the qualities of this animal that I have always loved; curiosity and elegance.
painting shadows
In both of these works I wanted to play with light, shadows and illusion. One of my favorite things about both of these works is that they change every time they are displayed. In each work I set it up with specific lighting and painted the shadows onto the work so that when displayed there is a painted and cast shadow.
Shadow Play no. 1
2013
48 X 24"
Plywood, metal rod, nails, yarn, acrylic paint and acrylic medium
2013
48 X 24"
Plywood, metal rod, nails, yarn, acrylic paint and acrylic medium
Shadow Play no. 2
2013
24 X 30"
Molded fabric, acrylic medium, coffee grounds and canvas
2013
24 X 30"
Molded fabric, acrylic medium, coffee grounds and canvas
Fitting together
In this work I didn't start out with a plan or vision, rather I added one element at a time until I found a result I was happy with. I began with a standard box puzzle which I built and then I removed sections of the image. I then found and modified digital images which I printed and added to the work. Finally I blacked out parts of the puzzle and added them to further connect all the imagery. The final product is an visually compelling collage full of color and texture.
Parts of a whole
2013
20 X 30"
2013
20 X 30"
Woven together
In this work my goal was to create a fibers artwork that didn't function as craft but rather as "art" (in the traditional view). Each piece was woven on a loom using the same pattern in different color combinations. The pieces were then mounted to create a terrain with hills and valleys throughout.
2012
20 X 30"
woven yarn and various materials
20 X 30"
woven yarn and various materials
To Dye For
This piece was all about experimentation. I tasked myself with using at least seven different dyeing techniques and got to work. I tested many of the techniques so I had an idea of what kind of imagery I hoped to create and I layered techniques and colors to further that image.
Galaxy
2012
Cotton and dye
2012
Cotton and dye
Untitled Sample
2012
Cotton, dye and printing paint
2012
Cotton, dye and printing paint
City of light
This piece was my first experience building a structure and working with wood. The design and execution are simple, reflecting my lack of knowledge and experience; a far cry from what I would later create. In this work I wanted to create a city, not out of wood but out of light. Though the structure is made of wood my goal was to create a cityscape using the way light would hit the structure. I also chose to paint the structure gold to further use the way light bounces and to reference the way glass buildings change colors when they reflect the sun. Ultimately I am proud of this piece and I enjoy the way light moves around and through it creating dynamic shapes and lines.
Mini-City
2011
Plywood, nails and spray paint
2011
Plywood, nails and spray paint