Susan Stainman

Lives and works in Brooklyn, NY, USA

Artist statement

Susan Stainman’s interdisciplinary practice centers on embodied moments of intimacy, connection, and interdependence (our interconnectedness). Her ideas stem from her mindfulness practice; she is interested in the small gestures and sensorial moments of life: holding someone’s hand, a touch on the arm, a hug, or a conversation. Her soft sculptures, photography, installations, and events make physical these often overlooked or forgotten moments. Stainman’s sculptural works encourage us to encounter the world through our senses first rather than our intellect. Her joyful lush colors, textures, and decorative sewing techniques are a lure to draw participants. Her materials reference clothing, that which we cover our bodies in daily. Her feminist perspective on the history of women’s work as producers of domestic materials and carers is evident in the formal and relational aspects of the work. The intimacy of the handmade quality of the making process is echoed in the intimacy of activating the work. She creates digital photographs to document the physical objects and gesture of activation. These are lasting remnants of the emotions of a momentary interaction. Stainman’s social practice uses conversation as a medium to explore connection and Buddhist principles of interdependence. She creates events and has an ongoing recorded conversation practice. The artist creates situations for people to freely explore expansive ideas like generosity, being at home in the world, utopic...

Artwork