Maribeth Hudzik

Biography

Born 1988.Chicago, IL
Degree in History from DePaul University, BA 2014
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), BFA 2016
SMFA Post baccalaureate, 2019
Currently in the MFA program at SMFA.
Maribeth is currently living and working in Chicago.

Artist Statement

Ritual. Lore. Imagination. Nature. Spirit. Science. Religion. Witchcraft. Something simple, every day. Something secret, far beyond.
 
We all are drawn to the depths of the human spirit and of the natural world. We dive far below the surface of our consciousness. We strive for enlightenment: to touch the realms of unseen gods, the spirit. My work is my quest to understand my life within the life of nature and to connect with this higher self. Through process and layering, my work will come together in one spirit. Through painting, paper making, sculpture, poetry, writing, and sewing, I show different layers of this one, ultimate work: to unite, to create one whole body, one entity.
 
My recent work, including The Black Sun series, Crowns and Flowers: The Ancestor Altar, and Cypress with Yew: Decay, Release, and Fires of Transmutation is an installation project that explores the physicality of death and decay. The work in this series elevates the breakdown period inherent in the life-cycle to a place of worship and reverence. Gold, elaborate frames, sequins, jewels, beads, exquisite fabrics and other precious materials frame and embellish bones, dried leaves, shells, fur, sponges, and other remnants of the once-living. These items are assembled to mirror the multi-layered process of composition and decomposition found on a typical forest floor. In this way, we see the rich fertility that springs from this decay, these explosive, vibrant tones, a mirror of the life that they give.

Instagram: @MTiger_Art
Website: MTigerArt.com