Chris Chrysler

Chris' work explores the intricate interplay between home, identity, and place, examining how our sense of belonging is shaped by the spaces we inhabit. As a mixed media artist, she primarily works with found objects, using their histories to inform and enrich her own narratives. Chris investigates the influence of media on generational female experiences, highlighting the intersections of feminism and societal expectations. These themes are framed by a universal quest for a sense of place—a pursuit that is often influenced by our perception and definition of "home."

"In my work, home is not merely a physical space but a conceptual idea, shaped by personal histories, societal constructs, and emotional resonance. The essence of emotion is captured in the moments when place is found, whether through belonging, displacement, or transformation. My art aims to evoke both a sense of loss and discovery, offering a reflection on the evolving nature of self and space. Through these explorations, I seek to question how identity is formed, reformed, and finally, rooted."

The Passage

Inspired by the passing of a dear friend, this piece considers the passage of time and challenges the viewer "What will you do with the time you have left"

Palimpsest

This piece reflects on the themes of home, place, and identity through found materials, each carrying its own history and transformation. The central element is a large, charred piece of wood with a carved groove, holding three bird nests in a row. The outer nests rest on rusted metal, while the center nest sits atop newspaper fragments from 1941. The nests, made by small songbirds, include materials I provided—alpaca fleece and thread—symbolizing comfort and security. The central nest, in contrast, is disheveled, embodying fragility and decay.

The charred wood represents both destruction and resilience, as the Shou Sugi Ban method strengthens and preserves the wood. Rusted metal speaks to the passage of time, and the fencing wires suggest boundaries and protection, questioning what we choose to guard and what we let in.
This piece functions as a palimpsest, layering materials and histories.
The 1941 newspaper found in the walls of my home, with the headline “French Literature difficult to get since Nazi entry,” connects past destruction to present-day struggles. It serves as a reminder of the cyclical nature of civilization: the rise, fall, and regeneration of both society and the individual. The newspaper, literally embedded in the walls of my home, emphasizes the importance of discerning what we allow into our lives and what we defend in times of change.

Through this work, I explore how home is defined and protected, and how histories—personal and collective—shape our identities over time. The materials in the piece are both personal and universal, symbolizing resilience, loss, and the ongoing quest for place.