Elaine Unzicker

The armor exhibit at the Art Institute od Chicago inspired me to create wearable art of a larger scale. The fluid movement of the mesh allows me to create art that caresses and conforms to the body.I combine stainless chain mail with castings of plants to create unique purses and wearable metalwork. I am fascinated by the way the mesh flows over the body and how each person wears the article very differently. The metalwork becomes a statement for the wearer and allows them to become what they feel in the moment. It is as if the human body is my stage and the performance takes place when the article is worn.My purpose is to adorn the body with metalwork that enhances the wearer. Perhaps a transformation takes place, an inner strength is gained, or the wearer brightens as the article is placed on their body. Art allows each of us to feel more beautiful or special. So, if my art touches its audience in this way, I have completed my mission.