Artist Statement

Below the threshold of our psyche lies a complex web of parts that make up the self—some exiled away, while more protective parts take hold. Informed by Internal Family Systems theory, my sculptural practice gives form to these inner dynamics through abstract, liminal beings that embody distinct inner parts. Guided by the idea that “all parts are welcome here,” I begin with an internal dialogue, asking which parts want to emerge. My work is the result of this conversation. Whether using traditional methods of basketry or bending steel with fire, my process draws on embodied knowledge to give physical presence to these internal beings.

The found objects I work with, such as stools and stands, serve as the foundation from which these beings emerge, reflecting concepts of balance and stability. As the figures take shape, their shifting weight can be either supported or challenged by the base beneath them, mirroring the unpredictable dynamics of the psyche. I emphasize each figure’s personality through the materials I select—neck ties, satin, silk, or twined seagrass. Whether natural or synthetic, these materials complement the message and character of each being, enhancing the physical presence of these internal parts.

Jacquelyn Walker, 2026