CHELLIS BAIRD
BIO
Baird obtained her BFA in Textiles from the renowned Rhode Island School of Design and furthered her studies in studio art at the Art Students League in New York City. Her artistic journey has been marked by several notable achievements and recognition. In 2021, Baird held her first solo museum exhibition titled "Tethered" at the Myrtle Beach Art Museum in South Carolina.
In addition to her solo exhibitions, Baird has also participated in numerous significant group shows. Her work has been featured in prestigious venues such as the National Arts Club in New York City, where she had a solo exhibition titled "The Touch of Red" in 2022. This exhibition, curated by Jenny Mushkin Goldman, offered a comprehensive view of Baird's artistic practice and its exploration of color, texture, and the human hand and spirit.
Baird's artistic process is a exploration of the interplay between traditional craft techniques and contemporary artistic expression. With a deep reverence for textile traditions, she begins her creative journey by weaving her own canvases using a variety of fibers and yarns. The act of weaving itself becomes a meditative practice for Baird, allowing her to connect with ancient textile traditions while infusing them with her artistic vision. Once the woven canvas is complete, Baird embarks on a transformative journey of deconstruction and reconstruction. She meticulously disassembles sections of the woven fabric, unraveling and manipulating the threads to create texture, depth, and movement. This process parallels the act of unravelling memories or unraveling the layers of the self, inviting viewers to contemplate the fragility and impermanence of existence. With the deconstructed canvas as her palette, Baird employs a range of mixed media techniques to add layers of meaning and visual interest. She applies paint, dye, and pigments, carefully considering the interaction between color, texture, and form. The incorporation of upcycled textiles and found objects further adds to the tactile and sensory experience of her artworks. By repurposing these materials, Baird invites us to reflect on the value of discarded or forgotten elements and their potential for beauty and transformation.
Baird's compositions emerge organically as she responds intuitively to the evolving piece, allowing her process to guide her artistic decisions. She embraces chance encounters and spontaneous gestures, embracing the concept of serendipity in her creative practice. Each artwork becomes a testament to the collaborative dance between the artist and her materials, resulting in dynamic and visually grabbing compositions that transcend traditional boundaries.