Grace Kubilius will have an open studio during Art Walk on Friday, June 3 from 5-8pm in MAP Space in Eastworks. She’ll be showing current works in progress made during her Art Workspace Easthampton (AWE) studio residency through Easthampton City Arts.

Grace reflects:

“During my studio residency at ECA’s Art Workspace Easthampton (AWE), I plan to utilize the time and space to create a series of textile focused sculptures and wearable objects. My work is situated in the questioning of gender construction, performing identity, and the body. Material investigation/ innovation is central to my practice–I choose material (based on cultural and narrative associations) that has a gendered or bodily potency.

I am especially interested in readily available material like makeup, latex, and flowers. What objects already exist and how have they shaped my understanding of my body or gender identity? Currently, I consider points of connection, such as tethering, piercing, zip tying, and joining materials, as crucial punctuations of my visual vocabulary, that I am excited to develop further.

Through the ECA residency program, I hope to connect with others (communities and individuals) surrounding topics intrinsic to my work. As our understanding of gendered existence and identity is continually being redefined, I aim to make space for honest conversation, questioning, and compassion. I look forward to challenging my ideas, learning from others, and allowing for vulnerability and evolution within my work.”