Daniel W Fielder: Artist Statement

My art is the juxtaposition of painting and the human body; in particular the formation of scars. Scars have the potential to be a catalyst. In Chinese Medicine, scars are formed from trauma. Scars are where all the qi and blood collect. If left untreated, it can become stagnation or pain. Needling scars are a way the body can heal itself. It is a method of detangling the trauma, and sewing it together.

My artwork is an expressive of the trauma, injury, and disease being healed. The paintings and sculpture included linen, cotton and found material. My drawings provide the investigation and structure. My fascination lies in the diagrammatical lines or marks on the paper and the interstices of the fabric. It is about penetrating the surface and unveiling the many layers underneath. The space between the fabrics allows light to shine or space to move. A pristine roll of linen or a painted canvas has a multitude of lines. I look at the pieces of fabric and ripped paintings and I sew them together. What is left are the lines that form scars. The lines in a drawing bend, stretch andweave around the surface of the paper, and break up the surface. Every scar has within it an opportunity to heal. The potential lies in the process of putting the pieces back together. 

All images used courtesy Daniel W Fielder.

Clients/Collections

2014 The Mien Shiang Institute, Wood Element, mixed media, 2010 Eastern Wyoming College, Transparency, mixed media, 2006 University of New Mexico, Bodymap #3, recycled canvas and wire, 2005 Casa Adobes Center, BlueFin Bistro, Tucson, Arizona, Triptych, mixed media, 2004 University of Delaware Museum, Newark, Delaware, Pelvis, distemper, colored pencil, 2003 Kulturzentrum Grand Hotel Toblach/ Centro Culturale Grand Hotel Dobbiaco, Toblach/Dobbiaco, Italy, Reaching Out, charcoal, Gasthof Residence Emma, Dobbiaco, Italy, Dream, charcoal, 2002 Austin Community College: Permanent Art Collection, Austin, Texas, Deconstruction Blind Man, charcoal, 2001     University Council Student Organization Art Project Fund, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi, University Commons Building. Jazz, oil on canvas