Los Angeles-based textile artist Elise Vazelakis creates experimental textiles, sculptures, and installations that are an exploration of the intersection between color, texture, and pattern. The themes that emerge in her work include nostalgia, memory, and the passage of time—rendering complex, multilayered woven pieces. Her process-based practice began when she learned how to sew from her grandmothers. This textile education is apparent in much of her practice since she employs many mainstream methods learned early on. Although her artwork utilizes the traditional techniques of crocheting, weaving, knitting, and coiling she diverges from the normal application of these methods. In her practice, she is drawn to the limitless possibilities that fiber can push when there is an integration of unorthodox materials.
Altered
The incorporation of photographs, metal wire, found objects, and single-use plastic makes Vazelakis’ content unpredictable from series to series. But the persistent theme in her practice is the contrast between the components; some known for their fortitude and others their fragility. This contradiction is the subject matter that continuously repeats itself in all of her art. This is most evident with her current body of work that integrates fiber elements with construction scrap. This new series is an anthology of materials that have been thrown out during the building of her new home. Revealing the unseen portions of the structure wasn't the only reason Vazelakis was attracted to the materials. Many of the items have a grid pattern familiar to her textile practice. The horizontal and vertical design of the fibers she works with were mirrored in the construction. The framing, deck support, and stucco lathing all have an orthogonal system similar to woven threads. The integration of these components into her art is a visual documentation of the construction and a metaphor for healing. Working with the elements that will soon be her new home is analogous to rebuilding her history that was lost in the wildfire; one small piece at a time.
Altered (detail)
Vazelakis’ artwork has been exhibited locally and internationally with solo exhibitions in Dubai, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and group shows in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Austin, Phoenix, Santa Fe, and Toronto. Her work is also in private and public collections including Faisaliah Resort in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Elise holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, from San Diego State University and is currently a Master in Fine Arts candidate at California State University Long Beach (Expected 2023). She is a member of TextileArts LA, California Fibers, Surface Design Association, and the current president of the Fiber Club at CSULB. You can view her work on her website or Instagram @elisevazelakis.
Woven Portrait