Vivian Cavalieri

My assemblages tell stories about our world, addressing issues such as social justice, immigration/emigration, victims' rights, and the environment. The artworks are multi-layered with the deeper meaning and symbolism described by signage at exhibits and on my website.  I convey my concerns through gentle humor or by designing an attractive scene that will appeal to a viewer and yet serve as a constant reminder of the issue.  To invite the viewer into the scene, I set museum glass in a 4” deep custom wooden frame that curves outwards.

 

Designing shadow boxes was a natural outgrowth of my jewelry designs.  For 10 years, I designed ornate multi-strand necklaces, weaving together abalone, semiprecious stones, freshwater pearls and (in a nod to my Venetian heritage) Murano glass beads.  Each assemblage is inspired by one of my designs, specifically, from the feeling created by its varied colors and textures.  The resulting mixed media sculpture usually includes a segment of it, combined with a wide range of materials including dollhouse miniatures, textured fabrics, realistic animal models, found objects, photographs, acrylic paint, ribbons, wood, art board, components crafted by me, and mirrors.