artists statement | résumé | portfolio
	My major source of inspiration is the Tasmanian wilderness. From my first visit to Tasmania in early 2000, to moving here permanently two years later, the island’s natural beauties have always had a special impact on me. They have become an endless source of inspiration for my artwork. Growing up in the big city of Budapest, Tasmania is a wonderland of an ocean waves, rugged cliff tops, soaring trees and even the tiny shells, all of which serve to ignite my imagination. Every walk in the wild places of Tasmania I find myself staring at beauty around me, be it moss covered gum trees, or lichen encrusted rocks, wondering how I can reflect these in my textiles. I use an ancient technique called double weaving to realise most of my works. Native Americans used this technique to make sacks and double sided rugs. This way of weaving allows me to create cylindrical shapes which is the basis of my three-dimensional pieces. site © workhorse 2004		The most important constituent material used are thin copper and steel wires in varying colours and diameters. The inclusion of wire allows the pieces to be twisted and contorted to take the shapes desired. It also enables me to produce different textures on the surface of the pieces to catch the light, and enhance the sculptural form. Interpreting the shapes, colours and forms found in nature into fabric, helps me understand the Tasmanian wilderness and its special environment. This has also allowed me to continue investigating the relationship between space and textiles, such as the lines of trees as they narrow from thick trunks, to thinner tops, all the way out to the sprawling canopy. Whilst my works are organic they are not only decorative, but have sculptural and architectural values, that raises them above craft skills and mere functionality. All the pieces can be reshaped and re-installed in different ways to reflect the changeability of nature. This way I can form the shape and mood of the works depending on the space available. For further information contact info@zsofiSamu.com