Bio:
Rhode Island native, Chad Amos Self, creates art with a focus on paper making, pulp painting, and fiber sculpture. Self translates his love of imagination into his studio art. His work primarily focuses on the material nature of pulps and fibers and the tactile appearance of paper. He explores his own memory, family history, local geography, and community.
He has shown work at Hera Gallery, Hoxie Gallery, One Way Gallery, the University of Rhode Island, Studio Blue, Carlotti Administration Building, the Danforth Museum of Art, the Artist’s Cooperative Gallery of Westerly, Goddard College, The Eliot D. Pratt Library, Imago Gallery, and the Jamestown Art Center. Self is a proud member of the historical Hera Gallery, where he also sits on the executive board.
Self graduated cum laude from the University of Rhode Island with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and received his Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Art from Goddard College. He currently teaches studio art at the University of Rhode Island and Anna Maria College.
Statement:
In my artistic practice, I explore the intricate relationship between paper pulp, nostalgia, and local ecology, using pulp painting as a medium to evoke memories and emotions tied to my environment. Paper pulp, with its rich texture and organic qualities, serves as a vessel for storytelling, allowing me to translate personal and collective memories into tangible forms. Each piece I create reflects a journey through time and space, drawing from the familiar landscapes of my childhood while inviting viewers to reconnect with their own nostalgic moments.
Central to my work is a deep engagement with local ecology, particularly the water sources that shape our environment. I collect water from nearby rivers and streams, incorporating it into my pulp-making process. This practice not only emphasizes the significance of water as a vital resource but also highlights the interconnectedness of our ecosystems. By using natural fibers sourced from local plants, I aim to create a dialogue between my artwork and the landscape, reinforcing the idea that art can be both a reflection and a celebration of the world around us.
Through the layering of pulp fibers, I create textured surfaces that resonate with the rhythms of nature and memory. My work invites viewers to contemplate the beauty of the ephemeral—how time and elements shape our experiences and environments. By fostering a sense of nostalgia and connection to local ecology, I hope to inspire a greater awareness of our surroundings and the importance of preserving the delicate balance of our ecosystems. Ultimately, my art serves as a reminder that through careful attention to materials and place, we can honor both our past and the natural world that sustains us.