Michelle Sirois-Silver
Balance, 2025
Sans Soucie Recycled Hosiery Waste, Salvaged Bed Springs, Linen 9x24x6 inshces
I am fascinated by the unexpected relationships that happen when objects are brought together into a grouping. When I look at the works in this series, I see an unfolding story that explores the keenly felt balance between tenderness and strength. As I make the work, the finished outcome remains a mystery. It’s not until I fold, stitch, and fill the 2D hand-hooked surfaces, that the sculptures’ true personas reveal themselves. For these works, I sourced waste hosiery from a local fashion designer in Vancouver. The hosiery is hand hooked into a linen backing. The 3D forms are mounted on salvaged bed springs. When I work with repurposed materials their provenance adds unknowable layers to the story. I work with a technique that is slow and repetitive. The finished works may be categorized as contemporary art, however the method of utilizing repurposed materials is as old as time.
Michelle Sirois-Silver
Belonging, 2025
Wool, Linen 24x24x48 inches
My work is often inspired by questions. What does it mean to truly belong? These soft sculptures reflect how I move through the world. I believe that everything is connected. The connection to myself, those around me, and the earth. When I look at them, I see vulnerability, beauty, and innocence. Their relationships to one another are true and heartfelt. My work is a complete integration of materials, techniques, and concept. Each one informing the other. Deeply connected. If I remove one of these elements from the creative process the work will lose its meaning. As I make the works, their finished forms are unknown. Each sculpture begins with a 2D hand hooked surface which is then folded, stitched and stuffed to create free-standing forms. It’s in this finished state that their true essence comes to light and their journey begins.
