SANCTUM
University of Lincoln
BA Fine Art Degree Show
2021
Olivia Stewart
No Strings Attached, 2021
Yarn and wire
This artwork explores gifting and the theory behind it. When giving or exchanging a gift, it typically it makes the giver feel good about themselves explaining an ulterior motive to the action. ‘No Strings Attached’ is often used when there is not something expected in return, so with this piece, I would like to gift you with one of the sculpted flowers by removing the strings.
Olivia Stewart is a sculptural and performance artist who is also developing her own business in crafting. Her work has been described as fun, interactive and intimate, with the main intention of her work being to create something that people can experience on a physical level, as well as an emotional/personal level; something with texture, shape and form. When Olivia performs live artworks, they involve an exchange between the audience and herself, and when doing this, there is an aim for the work to initiate a personal interaction, with each individual having a different experience. The exchanges within these live artworks are sculpted typically with wire, fantasy film, paper, yarn, verbally or digitally.Recent work has, by necessity, had to conform to government guidelines as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in Olivia having to find new ways to connect on a personal level with her audience.