Casey Baden

Casey Baden is an interdisciplinary artist whose mixed-media, textile and painted works explore archetype, myth, storytelling and symbolism, with a focus on themes of intimacy, metamorphosis, betrayal, and imperfection.

Her process begins with touch, and this tactility provides a form of haptic communication. The rhythms and elements of nature are also significant to her practice, so she begins with raw fibers – cotton, linen, canvas, a variety of silks – and a wide array of plant matter – indigo, pomegranate, madder root, eucalyptus, oak galls, logwood, weld, and cochineal – to create a rich color palette of fabrics by brewing dye pots and simmering cloth, cultivating a slow togetherness between herself and the material. Next, she cuts apart the cloth and pieces it back together forming patchwork surfaces. Once stitched together, the surfaces form abstract
geometric compositions and fragmented illusions of space. At this stage, the painting begins.

Currently she is pursuing research of various world mythologies, from widely appreciated Greek and Roman stories, to Mayan figures, Egyptian deities, Norse gods, the archetypes of the Tarot, and esoteric thought, while also drawing inspiration from the rich history of female surrealist and symbolist painters. These stories and her interpretation of their symbols serve as the motivation for her newest works. The paintings take form across the assorted surface and react to various absorptions, transparency, and sheens. She uses a combination of acrylic paint, poured and stained paint applications, oil paint, and pigment made from natural dye extracts. The collage aspect of the work continues as she works back into the pieces with embroidery, applique and other interventions.

Much like the innumerable mythologies of our world, Baden’s work is crafted through many layers of complicated processes all working in tandem to alchemize into something greater than the sum of its parts. Her work attempts to tap into the truths found in collective myth and delve into the psychology of man.