Artist Statements
Ciara Barsotti
My work and identity have undergone a monumental shift since becoming a mother. The lack of executive functioning in my brain during those early postpartum months allowed me to stretch myself into intuitive abstract painting, which has been an excellent way to recharge as I continually adjust to the demands of motherhood.
After I gave birth to my first child in late November of 2022, I felt unmoored, and like I would never get my self back. At some point, however, I decided to start painting again, but what came out of me was completely unexpected, and so full of life and playfulness and joy which was a far cry from how I was feeling at the time. I began making abstract paintings, a major diversion from the landscape paintings and drawings I had been creating for the last several years.
Lindsey Kapoor
I am a sculptor here in Chico working with natural homemade dyes on paper. My work is a tangible expression of my awe and spiritual elation experienced while exploring the natural world. My process starts with collecting flora and making natural dyes. A variety of colors are extracted from grasses, flowers, seeds, fruits and vegetables. The dye is used to stain paper, thus infusing literal natural components into each piece. The stained paper is then cut, torn, rolled or folded in a repetitive manner. This repetition becomes a form of meditation. Each piece is filled with prayerful intention as I contemplate the splendor and serenity of the natural world. Once completed, these abstract works strive to reference my spiritual connection to the outdoors.
