by Meredith L. Prévot

 

 

Originally from the Monterey Bay Area in California, Meredith Prévot lives and works near Park City, Utah.  She recently completed her MFA degree at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City.

ARTIST STATEMENT:

Patterns appear throughout the history of visual art.  It is on printed or woven cloth that these patterns are most ubiquitous, and at the same time, least noticed.  Over the past few years, textile design and decorative arts patterning have become a significant interest in my artwork, especially the evolution of design techniques, the iconography of textile motifs, and the vocabulary of pattern.

My paintings are also explorations in the interaction of colors and patterns.  I begin with patterned upholstery fabric or wallpaper that provide the foundation of color and pattern.  On top of this I add additional layers of invented and appropriated decorative motifs.  I use the underlying decorative pattern as a foundation in the same way that many artists use a grid system.

Many of the motifs in my paintings and drawings come from historic architectural and interior details, reflecting my interest in the decorative arts and history. My work reflects my study of an art form that is normally found on the borders and in the background.  I use patterns in my work to explore that invisibility.  My frequent use of upholstery fabric, embroidery hoops, and delicately scaled drawings evoke historical practices, and particularly practices historically associated with women. Through my art I explore feminine identity and my relationship to the historic roles of women as artists, decorators, designers, and homemakers.