Fine Moroccan and Italian plasters characterize the work of Dawn Bassett. Born in 1983, the artist uses her practical knowledge of the material as the foundation for ever evolving interpretations of the medium. She lives in Seattle and Los Angeles.
How did you get into art?
Art was always with me. Since I can remember, I have had busy hands and a curious mind.
How would you describe your style? What makes your work special?
The style of my work is best described as subconsciously edited. When I think of a time or a feeling, the image comes cleanly into focus in my mind and after 20 years working with my materials my hands just follow the course.
How do you go about developing your work?
I work with my medium-fine Moroccan and Italian plasters-every day. The more I learn about it and manipulate it the more mysterious it becomes. That directly influences the development of my pieces.
Who or what influences you?
My largest influences are my memories of childhood and my experience with love and loss of that love. The big feelings. They are too large to contain and therefore echo through my work, sometimes softly other times with a strong rapport.
Make us curious. What is planned next?
This coming year I’m beginning a year long residency on the Rogue River and the work that will come out of that time will be like nothing I have produced before. Unlimited time and resources to only make a body of work. A very formative year for where I am at generationally with my father turning 70 and my daughter turning a year old, and that being who I will see over that duration of time.
