"Stevie Kincheloe: A Sensory Odyssey of Truth and Connection"
Exploring kincheloes’ Artist’s residency at el nido, los angeles
Stevie Kincheloe's creative practice is a testament to her commitment to exploring truth through a multitude of sensory experiences. Drawing inspiration from literary giants like Virginia Woolf and Sylvia Plath, she infuses her work with raw emotion and depth, inviting viewers to engage with her journey of self-discovery and understanding. Through film, photography, soundscapes, performance, installation art, and writing, Stevie creates a rich tapestry of expression, capturing the essence of existence in all its complexities. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for introspection and connection, resonating with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
Stevie’s work is a beautiful reflection of her deep exploration of truth and the intricacies of existence. Much like Virginia Woolf, she delves into the depths of human experience, using her chosen mediums to capture and express the essence of being. Through her writings, Stevie invites readers to journey alongside her as she documents the moments within herself, revealing the profound complexities of existence.
“Let me sit here forever
with bare things
This coffee cup
This knife
This fork
Things in themselves
My self being my self.” -Virginia Woolf
Stevie's installation, "My Self Being My Self," at El Nido was a profound exploration of her personal journey across continents and through the depths of her own being. Through a diverse array of mediums including photographs, films, receipts, journals, soundscapes, and spontaneous thoughts, she crafted an immersive experience that invited viewers into the intimate moments of her life.
The sheer volume of material, filling every inch of the 450-square-foot space, spoke to the depth and complexity of Stevie's self-exploration.
What set Stevie's installation apart was not just its scope, but also its dynamic nature. By continuously creating new work within the space throughout the exhibition, she invited viewers to witness her ongoing process of self-discovery in real time. The art book filled with photographs from her travels served as a tangible manifestation of this exploration, with each image acting as a window into her soul and her relentless quest to understand the essence of existence.
"My Self Being My Self" was not merely an exhibition; it was a journey—a journey that Stevie embarked on with courage and vulnerability, inviting others to join her as she peeled back the layers of her identity and laid bare the raw truth of her being.
Stevie's videos which were also part of the installation, serve as poignant vignettes capturing the raw and unfiltered moments of human experience—moments of vulnerability, loneliness, and the quest for connection. Through her lens,
she presents essential scenes of crying, traversing the Parisian subway system, and observing the natural world amidst a rainstorm in Piedmont Region of Northern Italy, all of which speak to the universal themes of isolation and the innate human longing for belonging and liberation.
In her filmic narrative, Stevie seamlessly weaves together these disparate moments into a cohesive and evocative whole, mirroring the interconnectedness of life's experiences. By incorporating text from Mary Oliver's "Dream Work" and layering the ethereal sounds of singing bowls, synchronized with her own atmospheric voice, she adds depth and richness to the audio-visual experience, inviting viewers to immerse themselves fully in the emotional landscape she portrays.
Through these multimedia compositions, Stevie communicates a profound message about the human condition—about the loneliness inherent in existence and the inherent need for meaningful connections to find a sense of liberation. Her work reminds us of the importance of embracing both the solitude and the shared experiences of life, recognizing that it is through these moments of connection that we ultimately find solace and meaning.
Stevie's existential film, "Cycles of Being and Becoming," crafted within the confines of the art space post-installation, serves as a powerful exploration of truth, vulnerability, and the courage required to navigate the complexities of existence.
Set against a monochromatic backdrop, Stevie becomes both subject and storyteller, using her own voice and movements to convey the depths of her inner journey.
In one particularly poignant scene, Stevie's vulnerability is laid bare as she crouches in a childlike position, articulating her profound desire to walk through life with arms outstretched, completely exposed and authentic. Her words resonate with a sense of rawness and honesty, expressing her longing to shed the layers of pretense and embrace her true self without reservation.
“I feel I have to walk through this space with my arms stretched out. Completely vulnerable. Real. Authentic. Baring all. Something very raw. And I want to be this person.
In this place. Walking through these dimensions. Limitless, knowing no bounds. This verson of me that’s more integrated. More whole. More of who she is.
The cross of incarnation. Beginning again.” Stevie Kincheloe
Through this introspective monologue, Stevie grapples with the notion of identity and the cyclical nature of being and becoming. She speaks of the journey towards integration and wholeness, acknowledging the inherent challenges and rewards of embracing one's true essence. In her quest for authenticity, Stevie confronts the complexities of existence with unwavering courage, embodying the essence of transformation and renewal.
"Cycles of Being and Becoming" is more than just a film—it is a testament to Stevie's willingness to confront the depths of her own humanity and to invite viewers to join her on a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.
Through her artistry and vulnerability, she reminds us of the beauty and complexity inherent in the human experience, and the infinite possibilities that await those who dare to embrace their truth.
Stevie Kincheloe's soundscapes serve as profound reflections of humanity within a global context, capturing unfiltered moments of people simply existing. In her unique art form, she transcends traditional boundaries to explore the essence of being through the medium of sound.
In the spirit of Wassily Kandinsky's words from "Concerning the Spiritual in Art," Stevie's work exemplifies the power of artistic expression to evoke deep emotional responses and tap into the essence of the human soul. By immersing listeners in her sonic landscapes, she creates a space where the 'how' of creation fades into the background, allowing the pure emotional power of her art to take center stage.
Through her soundscapes, Stevie channels the internal truth of art, delving into the depths of the human experience to uncover universal truths that resonate across cultures and borders. Much like Kandinsky's vision of art as a vehicle for spiritual awakening, Stevie's work invites us to explore the profound connections that bind us together as a global community, transcending the limitations of language and culture.
In essence, Stevie's soundscapes serve as a testament to the transformative power of art to illuminate the hidden truths of existence and awaken the spiritual essence within each of us. Through her artistry, she reminds us of the vital role that creativity plays in nourishing the soul and fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
In the spirit of Wassily Kandinsky's words from "Concerning the Spiritual in Art":
“If the emotional power of the artist can overwhelm the ‘how?’ and can give free scope to finer feelings, then art is on the crest of the road by which she will not fail later on to find the ‘what’ she has lost, the ‘what’ which will show the way to the spiritual food of the newly awakened spiritual life. This ‘what’ will no longer be the material, objective ‘what’ of the former period, but the internal truth of art, the soul without which the body (i.e. ‘how’) can never be healthy, whether in an individual or in a whole people. This ‘what’ is the internal truth which only art can divine, which only art can express by those means of expression which are hers alone.” W. KANDINSKY
Stevie Kincheloe's creative journey extends beyond the confines of traditional gallery spaces, as she continues to explore her artistic process and collaborate with fellow creators. Her residency at El Nido provides a platform for experimentation and innovation, fostering meaningful partnerships with artists like Steven Dayvid McKellar and Victoria Chapman.
Their spoken word piece, "The Visible and the Invisible Being," demonstrates Stevie's ability to reinterpret complex philosophical concepts, such as Maurice Merleau-Ponty's text: “The Visible and the Invisible” through a multi-sensory approach encompassing sound, text, and movement.
This collaborative effort serves as a testament to the power of artistic collaboration in pushing the boundaries of creative expression and engaging audiences on a deeper intellectual and emotional level.
Looking ahead, Stevie's collaboration with India-based lens artist Ipshita Maitra promises to further enrich her artistic journey, bringing together diverse perspectives and techniques to create compelling visual narratives.
Stevie's influences extend beyond the realm of literature to performance art, with Marina Abramović's seminal work, "The Artist is Present," serving as a source of inspiration. Like Abramović, Stevie is driven by a desire to foster self-love and empathy through her art, encouraging viewers to connect with themselves and each other on a profound level.
Through her work, Stevie challenges us to confront our own vulnerabilities and embrace the humanity that binds us together. By engaging with her art, we are invited to embark on a journey of self-discovery and compassion, ultimately contributing to the creation of a more understanding and empathetic society.
written by victoria chapman
June 14, 2024 Los Angeles
