Marissa Shell

Friday, January 9, 2015

INSTALLATIONS

WINNOW

Referencing wood, water, and other natural materials, the vertical construction of this piece alludes to the discipline of weaving. Notions of boundary, separation, and transparency are explored in this work through its diaphanous design.

Detail

Day Time Installation View

Night Time Installation View

Winnow
Cork, Swarovski Crystals, Glass Beads, Copper Wire
72" x 48"

Collection of Steven and Laura Shim
Melbourne, FL

WOVENS

SYNTHETIC SEAS

These weavings, each constructed with some form of plastic, were inspired by my exploration of the ocean. They examine the impact that industrialization and capitalism have on our environment. For this project I researched the great Pacific Garbage Patch, major oil spills in history, the oxygen producing function of phytoplankton (phytoplankton produces 50% of the Earth's breathable air), and the effects that run off chemicals- such as nitrogen and phosphate which often cause excess and toxic algae blooms- have on our fresh water sources. Through these pieces, I aim to instill awareness of our daily habits, such as such as using plastic groceries bags, washing our hair, and buying products which often contain unnecessary and excessive packaging, which enable mega sized companies to continue to profit off of our consumerism without any regard to the damage they cause the environment.

Wash
Blue Recycling Bag, Hemp Twine and Cotton Yarns
5.5” x 6.5”

Tortoise
Plastic Cassette Tape Reel, Wool and Cotton Yarns
5.5” x 6.5”

Sea Foam
Plastic Dry Cleaner Garment Cover and Cotton Yarns
7.5” x 7”

Gyre
Plastic Raffia and Cotton Yarns
8” x 7”

Electric Wave

Cotton and Plastic Fishing Line Yarns

7.5” x 7”

SPACIAL DIMENSIONS

These pieces were inspired by my perpetual interest in space travel and in particular, a radio piece I heard on NPR about Playtex’s construction of Neal Armstrong’s space suite for Apollo 7 in 1962. It was noted that the seamstresses were not able to use pins to hold the fabric together when producing these garments, which is fascinating considering the difficulty and dexterity that must have been required to make them. Inspired by this, my general fascination of astronomy, and popular science fiction films and culture from the 70’s and 80’s, these weavings are a visual expression aroused by our celestial universe.

Saucer II
Plastic Raffia and Wool Yarns
6” x 7”

Ziggy Stardust (Bounty)

Plastic Raffia and Wool Yarns

7.5” x 9”

Hal 9000
Plastic Raffia and Wool Yarns
10” x 9”

STREETS OF NEW YORK

The experience of living in New York City is truly like no other. These weaving visually describe scenes and imagery that are typically experienced by those living in this particular city. These selected pieces are a statement on our subway system, tire marks found on every street, and the rigid structure of our streets.

Penumbra (Window Overlooking The Iron Horse)
Plastic Wire, Nylon, and Wool Yarns
8” x 9”

Skid
Plastic Wire and Wool Yarns
10” x 9”

Grid Iron

Nylon and Wool Yarns
6.5” x 6”

Monday, September 21, 2009

PAINTINGS

INTERSCOPE
These paintings are primarily based on biological structures and topographical maps. Fascinated by the intricate patterns and configurations of microorganisms, and in the construction and formation of urban and natural landscapes, I explore the hidden worlds of microsystems, and the structure of our geography and architecture from a bird’s eye perspective in this body of work. These images are a two-dimensional reconciliation of my own visual vocabulary with found images, where germs are landscapes and cities exist in cells.

Moon Rocks
Acrylic on Canvas
36" x 48"

Dicot Bundle
Acrylic on Canvas
48" x 42"

Peziza Ascospore

Acrylic on Canvas
42" x 36"

Collection of Ross Franklin, Liquiteria, New York, NY

Woody Dicot

Acrylic on Canvas

36" x 24"

Coprinus Gills

Acrylic on Canvas
36" x 42"

Monocot Stem
Acrylic on Canvas
42" x 39"

Saturday, September 13, 2008

PUSH
These large scale paintings were directly inspired by my reaction to Abstract Expressionism or "The New York School" artists of the 1960's. Using formal elements and compositional theory, I manipulated spacial perception by virtue of methodical and deliberate juxtaposition of shapes within the confines of my canvases. These pieces additionally investigate unique visual effects that specific color combinations can convey.

Blue and Ochre
84" x 84"
Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Gray Below Black

96" x 72"

Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Zero

60" x 60"

Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Maroon Lagoon

36" x 36"

Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Movement II (Oceanic Blues)

60" x 120"

Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Movement I (Ochre)

60" x 96"

Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Study I (Pink Under Ochre)

48" x 48"

Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Study II (Purple Under Pink)

50" x 50"

Latex and Acrylic on Canvas

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

COLLAGE

RED ROOM

In this intimate body of work, I create cozy, imaginary interiors inhabited by colorful objects such as bottles and furniture in lieu of people. These still life settings, rendered through collage, explore the realm of domestication, decoration, and entertainment. Through the use of color and subject matter, I allude to palatable flavors and feelings of warmth and comfort. Each subtle environment may initially suggest previous human existence, however all that is apparent in each theatrical setting, are objects and room settings left behind, taking on a life of their own. These early collages are an introduction to my work exploring color juxtaposition and harmonization, and my abstract imaginary worlds.