Shannon
Crider uses found paper to create intricate figurative collages. Based on
original photographs of subjects, real and imagined, she captures their
humanity with thoughtful calculation. Formally trained as a painter, she
transitioned to paper as a means of challenging the application of color,
shadow, and texture.
Crider
graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Oklahoma City University in 2008.
While enrolled, she was represented by Istvan Gallery and exhibited extensively
throughout Oklahoma. Her work can be found in private collections in Houston,
Norman, Oklahoma City and San Antonio, where she currently resides.
What made you decide to start using paper as your primary
medium?
Initially, I worked primarily as a painter, creating large
scale oil paintings. A couple years ago, I became interested in experimenting
with paper. I found that the change from oils to paper gave me the flexibility
to work outside of a traditional studio space, and instead in my home.This was
crucial because an explicit, off-site studio space was a luxury I couldn’t
afford. I found that paper activated an entirely new set of challenges and
opportunities.With each new piece I find a new way of pushing the medium. It’s
never boring.
How do your choose your paper?
I’ve used all kinds of paper including wallpaper,
tissue paper, maps, and book pages. However, I primarily use craft or scrapbook
paper. I like it because the paper is acid-free and I can find a variety of
colors, patterns, and textures.
Why not magazine or newspaper?
I’ve tried to work with both magazine pages and
newspaper. I find that they’re both too fragile for my needs. Additionally,
they don’t offer the variety of colors, patterns, and textures that make my
work
interesting.
What do you think paper can do that other materials can’t?
I don’t think there is anything new for me to
contribute to oil painting that the masters didn’t already achieve. With paper,
however, I feel like I am exploring a new frontier. Paper challenges the way I
work with color and pattern. Additionally, paper’s ability to naturally build
off the canvas, allows me to create a sculptural component to my work.
How long does an average piece take?
Way too long. The recently completed Traveler, 2013
took about 260 hours. It is possible that I am getting slower at this.
What are you currently working on?
Most of my works up to now have been straight forward
portraits. For my next work I am creating a history painting of sorts. Drawing
from the combined inspiration of Sophocles’ Greek tragedy Antigone and the idea
of human beings as stardust. It is my belief these two seemingly disparate
creative sources are united in the preservation of humility. I want to capture
the death and burial of Antigone’s brother, Polyneices, while incorporating the
idea that human beings are inextricably connected on a molecular level.
What artists inspire you the most?
Too many to name. Alice Neel has long been my favorite
painter, but recently, the work of Radcliffe Bailey has changed the way I thought
about art. Last summer, I saw his exhibition, Radcliffe Bailey: Memory as
Medicine at the McNay Art Museum in San Antonio,TX, and it was something like a
conversion
experience for me.
Looking ahead, how do you see your work evolving in the next couple
of years?
That’s hard to answer. My hope is that I continue to
evolve. I would like to see the work progress from 2D works with
sculptural
elements to full-on sculpture or installations.
Where can we find more about you and your work?
Check out my website www.shannoncrider.com or look me up on
Facebook at Shannon Crider Art.
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