Mop

Exposed

Betsy Timmer’s work astounds, amazes, and creates extreme revulsion and extreme compassion in me as a viewer.  Her fiber sculptures explore the body and the role of the female in a simultaneously whimsical and grotesque way.  In her most recent series embodiment she re-creates everyday household objects through the form of the human body.

Table legs

The way in which she utilizes texture and material reminds one of the exploratory sculpture of Eva Hesse. Playing with the boundaries of inside and outside.

Part of Tangled, 2008

Spider Broom, 2008

But thematically and even in the somewhat creepy nature of her work one is reminded of Louise Bourgeois’ fiber drawings and installations.  With Betsy’s choice of colors, fabrics, and combination of materials there seems to be a similar darkness that you see in Bourgeois’work.

Restless

My favorite work of Betsy’s comes from her 2006 series. With it simplicity it seems to have more vulnerability.  She juxtaposes emotional states of the domestic housewife and woman with the worn out objects of the domestic space.

Spin Cycle Stomach, 2006

Legs, 2006, notice the iron feet!

She does not lead the viewer to understanding her work by providing a statement or words-  so I can only assume what her work is about. However, in general her work  speaks volumes to me and is very impressive and mature for a somewhat young artist.

As you can tell I had a difficult time selecting images to share so please visit her website to see the breathe of this innovative, but also rooted in history, artist’s work.