Contact me

Thoughtful questions and comments about my artwork, teaching, and commissions are welcome. Thank you for your interest. 

 

Your email address is for my use only and will neither be shared nor sold. 


Portland, Me
usa

Crystal Cawley is an artist who works with paper, textiles, collected objects, and re-purposed materials. 

Yokedetail3.jpg

You start with the possibilities of the material.

Robert Rauschenberg


 

I start with something tangible, whether it’s a discarded library book, a decrepit piece of furniture, a worn tablecloth, a box of old greeting cards or puzzle pieces, or leftovers from other projects. I enjoy responding to what’s already there, something with its own visual history that becomes part of what I make — I love the challenge of merging disparate materials and ideas into something more. My work combines my interests in the form and history of clothing and the possibilities of paper and fabric sculpture, with traditional handiwork like embroidery, spinning, and letterpress printing. 

 

Lamellar Apron (see Portfolio 7)

Lamellar Apron (see Portfolio 7)

Formfitting (see Portfolio 6)

Formfitting (see Portfolio 6)

Yoke (see Portfolio 4)

Yoke (see Portfolio 4)

Typographic Fascinator (see Portfolio 1)

Typographic Fascinator (see Portfolio 1)

Ghost Words (see Portfolio 5)

Ghost Words (see Portfolio 5)

Mixed Messages Circle Skirt (see Portfolio 3)

Mixed Messages Circle Skirt (see Portfolio 3)

Vague Idea Vestment for Elizabeth Hawes (see Portfolio 2)

Vague Idea Vestment for Elizabeth Hawes (see Portfolio 2)