“They who Isolate,” Eli Secrest, 2020. Paper, copper, brass, magnets. 8 x 12 x 24 inches.
Windgate-Lamar Fellowship
2021
I create masks that reflect and characterize elements of the psyche in order to understand how thought, behavior, and customs relate to each other. I use simple materials combined with complex processes, and process documentation as a means to inspire creativity and reflection. Each piece partially hides the face with an original representation of aspects that would regularly be hidden below the surface, bringing small and specific elements of one's personality up to the surface to be discussed. These behavioral traits are neither good nor bad in any whole way, they just are, and are different for every individual. The intention of the work is not to judge or criticize, but to encourage reflection of one's own behavior and consider why they behave the way they do, and why they exist the way they do.
Selected works
“They who Hunt,” Eli Secrest, 2020. Copper, brass, steel, tin. 7 x 12 x 12 inches.
“They who Flaunt,” Eli Secrest, 2020. Copper, rhinestone chain, leather, silk. 7 x 9 x 4 inches
“They who Isolate,” Eli Secrest, 2020. Paper, copper, brass, magnets. 8 x 12 x 24 inches.
“The King and the Wolf,” Eli Secrest, 2019. Copper, brass, tin. 8 x 9 x 12 inches, 12 x 12 x 18 inches.
“Chess Set,” Eli Secrest, 2017-2018. Brass, copper, maple, aluminum, resin, felt. 18 x 18 x 6 inches, kings 3.5" tall.
“They who Believe,” Eli Secrest, 2019. Copper and stained glass. 9 x 12 x 15 inches.