Traci Talasco
A House Divided Against Itself Cannot Stand A Wall Between Us How You Seduce Me (Brought to you by Glidden) Compartmentalized Do You Love Me Now? Making Waves Turn on the Waterworks Blurring the Boundaries Emotional Patterns Nature of the Grain Trying to Fit In You've Made Quite an Impression Building a Good Home Support System Uprooted Where I Come From Broken Embedded Love Birds Insert Home Here .0000918 Acres Rush Hour Smooth Things Over Sputter Complacency
I create sculptures and installations that address the psychology of home (in a humorous way). I grew up in a suburban house, in what seemed to be a stereotypical “American Dream”. But, I learned at an early age that things are not always as they appear. Now as a wife and mother, I am navigating my way through the ups and downs of home life. These personal experiences are the basis for my ideas, yet the concepts are universal.

Sections of walls, floors, and interior spaces are used as a stage to focus on emotional tensions, such as arguments, communication issues, or expectations of love. This often results in absurd architectural arrangements. The works are participatory, inviting the viewer to physically engage with them in different ways. Sometimes they pose a physical challenge, such as balancing a floor, or climbing waves of carpeting, and other times they change the viewer’s perspective by inviting them to lie down or by obstructing their view. I use home construction materials and decorative elements, such as plywood, carpeting, and wallpaper. The titles are usually idioms that imply both a physical and emotional meaning. As part of my working process, I use journal writing as a springboard for my ideas, or I play with a material I am attracted to and work with its inherent associations.