Isabella Clark
They/She
Kenosha, WI, USA
Isabella Clark is a black queer artist from Kenosha, WI, with a BFA degree from UW-Whitewater, mentored under Teresa Faris. Their work consists of mixed materials and fibers, combined with precious metals to create pieces centered around race, mental health, and intersectionality. Over the past few years, they have been featured at the Silver Fern Gallery, Urban Glass Gallery, Queerphoria vol.4, and as a panelist/exhibitionist at San Diego SNAG. In the spring of 2023, they received a grant and certificate of excellence for Undergraduate Research alongside their BFA exhibition ‘Topsy’. In their downtime, they enjoy making felt earrings, reading, and trying out different artistic mediums to combine with metalsmithing techniques.
“My work focuses on the ever-continuing lineage of deconstructing racist Black stereotypes and recontextualizing them to understand how these stereotypes enabled the ongoing abuse and slaughter of Black people in America. Stereotypes such as Mammy or Jezebel warp ideas of womanhood and sexuality, more specifically, asexuality. As a black asexual person, I am often unseen, underepresented, or regarded as an impossibility. My existence directly contradicts the harmful caricatures forced on Black feminine individuals. I create objects such as topsy-turvy dolls and fiber/metal jewelry worn on the body to challenge existing bias further while celebrating Black queer femininity.”
How does your work relate to the theme of flourish(ing)?
“Although most of my work focuses on the dangerous stereotypes of Black femme individuals, there is always a silver lining to my pieces. All of my pieces have a hint of playfulness to them that challenges the audience to think differently. For example, when picking up my dolls, one side will always cover the other. Each side is a one-dimensional caricature that contradicts the other, where only one can be hidden away. However, maybe we should ask why we should pick one stereotype over another? When thinking of Black, queer, femme individuals, instead of placing us into categories, start deconstructing stereotypes that you have in your mind. We are beautifully multi-dimensional individuals who exist outside of white cishet patriarchy. By starting these discussions and breaking down these harmful ideas of womanhood and sexuality, we can begin to live in a world where we can truly flourish."
"Topsy Bloom", Fridgi, mixed fibers, yarn, copper, fine silver, 17.5" x 16", 2023"Topsy Toad/Static", Mixed fibers, yarn, brass, beads, silver, 12"x16", 2023"Peachy", Felt, brass, fine silver, 2”x2”, 2024, Isabella ClarkHow does your creative practice allow you to flourish (grow, thrive, blossom)?
“My creative practice of creating objects and jewelry from fiber, metal, and found objects has saved my life. There are times when I feel as though I need to create to survive. It has allowed me to process difficult emotions and events in my life and turn them into something new. Whenever I felt stuck, alone, overwhelmed, content, happy, or curious, I find myself itching to make something. With every piece I make, I learn a little more about myself and how I process the world around me. I am eternally grateful for my ability to create, and I will nurture it for years to come.”
As a queer+ artist, what would you like to see and/or what do you need in order to flourish during this time?
“During this time, when there is a rise of fascism, reproductive rights are being stripped away, global warming, the policing of feminine bodies, and violence towards queer, minority, and disabled individuals, it's easy to succumb to despair. There were times when I felt paralyzed with fear, mental exhaustion, and hopelessness towards events that were out of my control. However, I found that the only way I could flourish was to focus on how to tend to my own power. I need to create objects, clothes, and jewelry that sparked joy as a form of resistance and to heal my spirit. I need to surround myself with individuals who believe in equality, equity, & empathy towards others to build community. I need the space to digest information, educate myself, and channel my passion so I can best support my community. As a black queer artist from a small town, I want to see people have the courage to speak out and support our most vulnerable communities. ”
Photographs Courtesy of the Artist
