Artist Statement
My work stems from lifelong interest in the design and construction of costumes and clothing, which ultimately led to sculpture. Now as a metal sculptor, my concerns address issues of women’s undergarments and shoes. Using “inflexible” materials of copper, aluminum, steel and stone emphasizes the absurdity and torture women have endured for fashion. In past history, women have squeezed themselves into corsets, reshaping bones and internal organs. We continue to cram our feet into ill-fitting shoes, in order to be currently “in style.” With fantasy and a bit of humor, my work confronts viewers about conflicts among the competing values of beauty, comfort and health.
BIOGRAPHY
Growing up in Mobile, Alabama, original home of Mardi Gras, had artistic influences. Originally a seamstress, clothes and costume designer working with traditional fabrics, I made the transition to sculptor, creating clothing of metal and stone. Long term experiences in multiple mediums, such as concrete casting, welding, stone carving, painting, sewing, crocheting and macramé, contribute to understanding the use of disparate materials when creating my work.
At Auburn University, I majored in Clothing and Textiles, later becoming a graphic artist while developing a fine arts career.
From 1997-2002, I studied stone carving with international master, Constantine Seferlis of the National Cathedral, Washington, DC.
In 2003, I was inducted into the National Association of Women in the Arts (NAWA), for sculpture, in New York City.
I am a member of the Washington Sculptors Group, having served on its board for twelve years.
A book, ‘100 Artists of the Mid Atlantic’ by E. Ashley Rooney, published in 2011, features my metal shoes.
In 2020, I received the first Honorable Mention Award given by the National Association of Women in the Arts (NAWA) for my complete body of work in stone carving.
Selected Exhibitions
2011: Goodwin House at Bailey’s Crossroads, solo exhibition, “METALING WITH FASHION,” Falls Church, VA.
2012: National Association of Women in the Arts Gallery, 5th Avenue, awarded solo exhibition. “UNZIPPED: Sculptured Fashions,” NYC.
2013: Brooklyn Museum, First Annual Arts & Crafts Show, twelve sculptures featured, Brooklyn, NY.
Honfleur Gallery, “Sculpture Now 2019,” Washington Sculptors Group, Washington D.C.
2014: Luther W. Brady Art Gallery, George Washington University, “WHAT NOT TO WEAR,” Washington, D.C.
Marlboro Gallery, Prince Georges Community College, “FIGURE NOW,” Largo, MD.
2015: Central Booking Gallery, “FUSION,” NYC, Catalogue.
LH Horton Jr. Gallery, “WOMEN IN ART~HERSTORIES,” San Joaquin Delta College, Stockton, CA.
Strathmore Mansion Art Gallery, solo exhibition, “IF THE SHOE FITS,” North Bethesda, MD.
Eleven-Eleven Sculpture Space, “WOMEN OF ZENITH WHO HAVE REACHED THE ZENITH,” Washington, DC.
2016: Delaplaine Visual Arts Center, “CARTES BLANCHE,” Frederick, MD.
2018: Katzen Art Museum, American University, “LATITUDE: Washington Women’s Art Center,” Catalogue, Washington D.C.;
Blackrock Art Center, “RECOLLECTION,” Germantown, MD;
Eleven-Eleven Sculpture Space, Pennsylvania Ave., Zenith Gallery, “40th Anniversary,” Washington, D.C.
2019: CATO Institute, “FREEDOM Art as the Messenger,” Catalogue, Washington, DC.
Other national and international exhibitions that have included my works are: Brooklyn Museum, First Annual Craft Show, Brooklyn, NY; Olney Theatre Center, “UNMENTIONABLES,” as complement to Steve Martin’s Production of “The Underpants”, Olney, MD; The Painted Bride, Philadelphia, PA; The U.S. Botanic Garden, Washington, DC; Suffolk Museum, Suffolk, VA; Grounds for Sculpture, Hamilton, NJ; Galeria Mesa Arts Center, Mesa, AZ; Carroll Reese Museum, ETSU, Johnson City, TN; Huntsville Museum of Contemporary Art, Huntsville, AL; Vasteras Museum of Art, Vasteras, Sweden.
My work may be seen locally at Zenith Gallery, WDC.
Joyce Zipperer
