Christine D'Epiro Abbott

“Shelter (Our) Place” presents an intimate view of my lively home. Colorful and abstracted, the interior scenes vibrate with activity. Detailed compositions invite further inspection revealing recognizable details such as shoes and toys, instruments and laundry. Each object hints at the inhabitants daily pursuits- play, music and family. The exhibition features new pieces from my ongoing body of work, originally inspired by an experience as a caretaker for another couple’s home over ten years ago. Now raising two young sons with my husband, the domestic scenes frame the dual experience of both artist and mother. Notably, many works were created using printmaking techniques such as silkscreen, drypoint, relief and mono-printing.

As the current pandemic has dramatically shifted global and local focus towards life at home, and many had been collectively required to shelter in place, “Shelter (Our) Place” portrays a hopeful perspective of joyful communion, celebrating the connections found in the most ordinary and intimate spaces.

Christine D’Epiro Abbott: Shelter (Our) Place

I participated in Phoenix Rising Printmaking Cooperative's twentieth anniversary celebration with BIG INK fall of 2018. Twenty-one other printmakers including invited artists from throughout the state and Phoenix members also carved relief blocks printed during the event.

My piece, Throne Time Out Chair was inspired by a moment when my children adorned our mid-century chair with a play mop and broom by hanging them onto the chair’s arms, transforming it into a mock throne. The same chair’s ongoing use had been as a location for time-outs. I was struck by a single object’s ability to both represent authority to be exerted elsewhere, as well as authority removed and limited to an isolated location.

In the finished image, an abstracted depiction of the broom is still hanging while the mop is lying across the floor. The door behind the chair is represented as both opening and closing, further expanding the narrative.

Commission for Nationwide Mutual Insurance on display in the Plaza One building