Alexis Arnold

Artist Statement:

I am interested in the visual displays of time and history. Objects, whether undisturbed for long periods, in frequent use, or fallen to incidents such as fire or flood, have their own life cycles of accumulation and decomposition. I create these changes over condensed time frames through catalyzed natural processes, such as crystal growth, forced oxidation, or sun-bleaching, in an effort to see objects in a new way, with a new history. In addition to a range of casting materials, my work often includes found objects (bones, books, bicycle wheels, kitchen paraphernalia, photographs, etc) with crystals grown on them. The crystal growth highlights or creates the aesthetics of these once-utilitarian objects that are entering the world of obsolescence, as well as acts to suggest past and future narratives laden with memory, wonder, and the interminable progression of time, both geologic and on a smaller, more relatable scale. Display of my work takes on many forms, including wall hangings, ceiling suspensions, and freestanding sculpture. 

Alexis Arnold is a sculptor and installation artist living in San Francisco. Alexis received her MFA in Sculpture from the San Francisco Art Institute in 2010, as well as a BA in Studio Art from Kenyon College in 2005. Her work has been exhibited throughout the Bay Area and nationally, including The New York Hall of Science, Southern Exposure, Root Division, Brooklyn Artists Gym, Gallery Hijinks, Alter Space, The Crucible, and through the San Francisco Arts Commission Art in Storefronts Project. Alexis’ work has received review in Art Practical, The Wall Street Journal, OGlobo.com, Redefine Magazine, ArtSlant.com, Beautiful/Decay, The SF Examiner, SF Gate, and KQED’s Gallery Crawl Series. In addition to her own studio practice, Alexis works as a curator and youth and adult art educator.