Delivery Truck
Rob Bein (Longmont, CO)
Cotton remnants, silk, linen, polyester, 33” W x 27” H
Artwork:
Among the piles of laundry hide a group of migrants. They are escaping unknown stresses and the trauma of a dangerous world, hoping to find better safer lives. They have said goodbye to their homes and families and much of their history. Their optimism is reflected in the sky ahead, yet they do not know what awaits them on this perilous journey. They are hoping to be unseen as they approach a border fence. The road is narrow and rocky. The back door of the truck swings open for a sudden glimpse of the desert around them, revealing to us their vulnerable situation
Artist Statement:
I have been an artist most of my life. I have worked with multiple mediums. For many years I have been primarily focused on fiber and textile art. Working with fabric as a medium suits my kinesthetic sensibilities. I have endeavored to stretch the boundaries, incorporating paint and mixed media, at times working in three dimensions. I keep my eye out for unusual "found fabrics" and old clothing.
I am inspired by the politics and images that I see around me. My art is a way of expressing my feelings that words don’t quite capture.
I use raw-edge, direct machine applique along with techniques of piecing, free motion machine stitching, and some limited hand stitching. I have recently been exploring creating 3-D images. I am inspired by the wonderful colors I find in textiles. Using collage techniques, I am able to create balance between positive and negative space. This allows more flexibility and works better for me than painting.