Jess Grisafi Studio

A labyrinth can be a powerful metaphor for decision-making and consequences, representing the complex paths we navigate socially, culturally, politically and personally. Just as a labyrinth offers multiple routes and potential impasses, each decision we make can move us in a new direction.  While some choices may lead us to feeling frustrated, uncertain or blocked, others offer hope, clarity and progress.

Green to Gold Series

Liminal Existence

In times of transition, existence and perception can sometimes feel unstable and precarious. There are often segments that change, but much remains the same. And some pieces may still fit together and overlap to create something new and beautiful. The liminal space can draw out our fears about who we are, how we show up in the world, our strengths, and vulnerabilities, as well as our successes and regrets. It is a space where we question the depths of our beliefs, practices, and identities. When creating this work, I aimed to create a feeling of divergence and connectivity. While there is adjustment and change, the core pieces are still recognizable. They just fit together in different ways.

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A tribute to my mother’s place of origin, inspired by a summer visit to Italy to see my Nonna for the last time. Watercolor paintings from three locations in Italy. Posillipo, Naples & Capri.

The Institution

This series of cast bronze figures was created over several years. Each ambiguous figure is intentionally designed to have a substantial core with fragile limbs that are rooted in removable bases.

This work was initially envisioned as a representation of my family. Like so many other families in our bond; but not always perceived as equal in significance. With the current political climate, what temporarily felt secure, again weighs foreboding, as fragile, unworthy, and unprotected for families like mine.

Over time, my thoughts moved toward recognition of the thousands of families being separated by the imminent changes of immigration law. Rulings that are built around fear and hate. I ache with compassion for those who are being divided and who live in uncertainty of their human right to feel safe and united as a family.

This work is a tribute to all families who love.

May your institution stay unbroken.

Hand-cut stained glass tesserae tile mosaics. Grouted on backer-board. Reclaimed wood frames.

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Watercolor Paper, Acrylic, Watercolor, Pastel and Charcoal  19.75” x 27.5”

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Canaries

Early on in the Industrial Revolution, the most important source of power and heat was coal. Numerous coalmines developed around the newly industrialized world. As mine shafts got deeper and deeper, trapped gasses like methane and carbon monoxide could poison workers or cause deadly explosions. So miners started to bring caged canaries down into the mines with them because the fragile birds’ nervous systems were more sensitive to the gases. When the canaries began to sway on their perches, or collapsed and died, the miners would be warned to quickly leave the tunnels.

With the many documentaries, news reports and blogs about global warming, various thoughts and images composed in my mind. The image that struck me the hardest came from the “two canaries in a coal mine” theory. Is it possible that so long ago, these small and fragile creatures tried to warn us of our direction? The bees, the polar bears, the human race? Are we all like the canaries, awaiting our fate?

The process used for this piece is a primitive low-temperature smoke firing. The ceramic work is put into a container with combustible material such as sawdust, leaves and paper. The carbonaceous atmosphere reacts and affects the clay to impart unique effects and surfaces to the ware.