Electra Pelias

Art has always been a constant companion in my life, serving as both a mirror and a lens through which I confront the complexities of my experiences. My work often takes on a whimsical, childlike quality—pieces that seem playful and innocent, yet are deeply personal artifacts that reflect my ongoing dialogue with the world. As a child, I was often labeled as overly emotional, which led me to shrink my feelings into something more palatable for others. Today, I allow these emotions to flow freely, using my art as a vessel to store them. These seemingly lighthearted works act as a counterbalance to the darker themes they encapsulate, reflecting both the boundless nature of childhood and the shadows that accompany it.

Through mediums such as clay, fiber, sculpture, digital manipulation, and screen printing, I explore the intersection of innocence and complexity. I am particularly drawn to secondhand materials, both for their sustainability and the stories they carry from their past lives. Sewing, a skill passed down from my mother, is also an essential part of my practice. The contrast between 'hard' materials like ceramics and sculpture and 'soft' materials like fabric and fiber creates a tension in both form and content. This duality, combined with digital illustration and photo manipulation, adds depth and complexity to my work.

The emotional weight of trauma, combined with the playful quality of my materials, creates a unique method of 'weaponizing' cuteness. I confront and navigate complex emotions through this tension, transforming painful experiences into something soft, approachable, and vulnerable. By sharing this journey through my work, I invite the viewer to reflect on their own experiences with curiosity, vulnerability, and resilience.

https://electramakes.com