construction artist Ilse Bolle

Ilse Bolle’s fiber constructions are a fascinating combination of mixed media and sculpture. A clever interplay of unconventional and traditional materials presents a refreshing illustration of conviviality in art and life.

Using paper she makes by hand, twigs she harvests from the local landscape and waxed linen thread, Bolle constructs a simple, strong sculptural form. Found pieces of rusted metal, ubiquitous in the arroyos around Santa Fe, are then added to the composition. The juxtaposition of natural and man-made elements creates a remarkably earthy, stable beauty. At the same time, Bolle's work maintains an aesthetic that captures and releases an emotional reaction.