ANASTAJA
ARTIST STATEMENT
I consider myself an interdisciplinary artist with a focus in metalsmithing at the moment. My interest in fashion has always influenced my pursuit of art-to-wear. The destructive environmental impact of the fashion industry turned me off from wanting to participate in systems that continue to exploit the earth and humanity for profit. After receiving a BFA in Art from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I decided to pursue my own work while evaluating what small part I could do to dismantle our collective apathy.
Metalsmithing satisfied my interest in reverse-engineering and problem solving through design as well as my penchant to collect and hoard beautiful stones. The meticulous, slow process of hand-fabricated jewelry became a meditative practice for me. I enjoy participating in the slow-fashion movement, creating heirloom quality pieces that will stand the test of time.
I am curious about the development of style with respect to a continuously changing interpretation of “self” and how this is reflected in the dialogue between designers and consumers. This has led me on a life-long expedition into duality, philosophy, the nature of reality, and the collective subconscious. My art has become a reprieve for my burning desire to find balance and harmony among contradiction and I enjoy reconciling opposing aesthetics through intentional design. I oscillate between the exacting nature of simple, clean pieces and chaotic, organic forms. This has become an accurate representation of my fascination with yin and yang, divine feminine and masculine, dark and light. In a world with increasing division and inequality, I am preoccupied with how we can find resolution through better understanding ourselves as part of the whole.
My work is largely experimental at the moment – a consequence of my ADHD brain and overflowing ideas.
I have no idea what my life work will evolve into, but I thank you for being along for the ride.