When I stumbled upon the portfolio of NY based artist Lauren DiCioccio, I was astounded by the intricate detail and skill involved in these little 35mm embroidered slides. It wasn’t until I read her artist statement that I truly understood what drove her to create these beautiful little pieces, so I can’t post the pictures without the explanation.
My work investigates the physical/tangible beauty of commonplace mass-produced media-objects, most recently: the newspaper, magazines, office papers and writing pads, plastic bags, 35 mm slides. These media are becoming obsolete, replaced by the invisible efficiency of various technologies. In some cases, this transition is a good thing- faster transmission and distribution of information, streamlined systems, openness to user input, less waste. But a hole is left behind by the disappearance of these everyday objects. What will happen when we no longer touch information? When newsprint does not rub off onto our fingertips? When we no longer write longhand?
The tedious handiwork and obsessive care I employ to create my work aims to remind the viewer of these simple but intimate pieces of everyday life and to provoke a pang of nostalgia for the familiar physicality of these objects.
Lauren has tackled newspaper pages and found books with a similar technique, and recreated everyday food packaging with organza, fabric and embroidery.
It doesn’t feel right to post any more of her work here, but there is so much more to see at her website. See for yourself, and drink it all in!
