Artist Profile: Laura Tabakman

Triangular ‘99
Shibori dyed fabric, polymer clay and found objects
17” x 12” x 4”

Artist: Laura Tabakman
Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Websites:
Laura Tabakman
Flickr photo album

Laura, I’m impressed that you do both wearables and non-wearables, both so incredibly well! How do you describe your work?
I work in mixed media, fiber arts and polymer clay. I feel more comfortable working in three dimensions, using basic forms evocative of nature and primitive cultures. I am particularly interested in process and materials, and in choosing them for each piece I look for contrast; hard, rough, dull and strong materials (steel, roofing material) combined with delicate, smooth and shiny ones (polymer clay, fabric, gut, thread).

Time touches, alters and decays things. Seeing the marks of the passing of time moves me. I try to include these marks into my work by using shibori techniques (often called memory of the cloth) or rusted objects to dye my fabrics, incorporating timeless symbols or stressing and scratching the surfaces. Texture is an important aspect of my work.

Creating art enables me to express what I can’t articulate in words. My intent is to communicate with the viewer at an emotional level.

Spiral brooch Apr ’07
Polymer clay
3” x 3 ½” x ½”

What is your creative process like?
Much of my work is done intuitively, starting with a general concept or idea of what I want to make and say with it, but letting the process guide me, allowing myself plenty of flexibility to change directions if the project is telling me to go a different way. The few times I tried detailed planning I was disappointed with the result.

I usually work with the radio on; I spend so much time alone in my studio that I need some kind of contact with the outside world. When things are going right I can work eight straight hours without even realizing I need food.

It left a hole in her Dec ‘03
Polymer clay, steel wire and silk
17” x 7” x 6 1/2”

What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I studied Architecture in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where I was born, but never worked as an architect. I’ve been taking art and craft classes since I was ten years old. I am really curious and have a passion for learning new techniques. I would take any workshop I find slightly interesting: photography, weaving, batik, shibori, encaustic, silk screen, felting, paper-making, metalwork, jewelry, woodworking, polymer clay. I used to think that I should stop exploring new techniques and media because I was dispersing myself too much, but everything started falling into place when I began combining all my interests working in mixed media. Knowing about one medium can inform the way you work with a completely different one.

I enjoy the challenge of trying things by myself first, that way I can experiment without having to worry about the rules. At some point, when I’m comfortable with materials or techniques I would take a class, but by then I have a sense of where I can go with it.

I approach every new problem as an opportunity to learn something new. I needed a website, I learned how to do it myself, the same with polymer clay, digital photography, Photoshop, Excel, etc.

In 1994 my daughter received three packs of polymer clay for her birthday and we started playing. She left and I kept playing. At some point I thought I needed to do something with all this jewelry I was making, especially because I barely wear any. That’s how I started selling at my local farmer’s market and from there to better art and craft shows and galleries.

Green pods necklace Sep ‘07
Polymer clay, textured, stained on steel cable
3” x 3” x 3/8”
Center pod 3” x 5/8” x 3/8”

Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
I love tools. When I was young I used to help my dad in his projects, I was the son he never had. That is where I developed my love; but the one tool I can’t do without are my hands. I do as much work as I can without tools. Materials are also important to me, but I don’t care which one. The challenge for me is to use a traditional or non-traditional material in a new way; make it do things it wasn’t meant to do.

What inspires you to create?
I feel my hands need to be making something at all times. I am inspired by nature, by weathered objects, magazines, books, blogs…I’m always looking. Then I take notes and draw in my sketch book, it is a way of absorbing what I’m seeing and a crucial tool when I need inspiration, it will take me back to a creative frame of mind and get the ball rolling again.

Big vessel series Aug ‘06
Silk Vessel (Rusted Silk and Steel wire, 16” x 79” x 14”); Steel Vessel (Steel wire, 14” x 69” x 13 ½”); Gut Vessel (Gut and Steel wire, 12” x 54” x 12”)

What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
If there is a problem to solve, I’m motivated to work. My problem comes when I’m done with an idea and need to start anew. That’s when I clean up, put things in order. Maybe I’ll see something that was left in mid process and gets me thinking; or I would just start mixing colors of polymer clay, having the material in my hands would sometimes inspire me. If that doesn’t work I look at books and my sketchbook. The one thing that always gets me going is an upcoming deadline.

What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
When you are creating, don’t take yourself too seriously. Allow yourself to make mistakes; solving them will lead to new discoveries. Keep an open mind, try every crazy idea you have, you can’t tell if it works until you try it. Work as often as you can. At the same time, after you’ve tried it, be rigorous when deciding if it worked or not; learn from the failures and keep growing. Challenge yourself, don’t keep doing something just because you master it and it feels safe.

Tar Vessel Apr ‘05
Roofing material, Embroidery Floss, Steel Wire
11” x 15 ½” x 5 ½”

What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
I volunteer in several art organizations.

What’s your favorite comfort food?
Chocolate, of course.