Riley, Erin M.

2100 Smallman St. Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | 412.261.7003 | www.contemporarycraft.org

Erin M. Riley

With in depth research into fathers, I am interested to see how much influence they have over their children’s self-esteem, well being and overall mental health as an adult. Some men think the best thing for their children is for them to leave, but in most cases it would be greatly beneficial for a girl or a boy to grow up with their biological father. As I read about the issues that go along with addiction, and risky behavior I am creating scenarios in my mind about how the people in the images I use grew up. In most cases I am finding the images of strangers using Google Image Search, but I am also using Facebook, where I personally have a connection to the individuals, in order to find pictures of young adults in precarious situations. I am using imagery that I find to be shocking and excessive, that they might find to be temporary, fun and fleeting and weaving them into tapestries to solidify the event in yarn. Once a person has accepted their addiction to alcohol or any other substance they are reminded of the many events where they were in situations that could have lead to their death. I am remarking on the generation of excess by documenting images that are thought to be yesterday’s dirty laundry but which might linger on the internet, or in the mind forever.

To see Erin’s resume, click here.