Arctic Threads
Kim Mirus weaves pieces embedded with data about topics ranging from youth incarceration to the environment in order to draw attention to important yet often overlooked subjects. Arctic Threads is focused on retreating glaciers, declining ice masses, and the changing Arctic as visual symbols of our impact on the world around us. After traveling to the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard for an artist residency to research our changing climate firsthand, Kim was struck by the amount of plastic and garbage from all over the world that washes up on these extremely remote islands near the North Pole, and by how quickly the Arctic is transforming. This new body of entirely handwoven work created with sustainable fibers is inspired by data about our changing environment and imagery from remote places directly impacted by these changes. One weaving incorporates plastic collected from the Arctic shores, a place never inhabited by humans. Hoping to explore potential solutions for the preservation of these critically important parts of our planet, Kim has also incorporated information about conservation efforts that have had a positive impact.
Bio
Kim is an artist, educator, and craftsperson currently weaving visualizations of environmental and human rights statistics using traditional craft techniques. Working at the intersection of art and science, Kim strives to subtly embed scientific data in new visual contexts. Kim earned a BFA in Crafts, a BA in Art Education, and a National Board Certification for teaching art. Kim has had the privilege to teach art to youth who were incarcerated and on probation, and is grateful for experiences teaching courses at The Crucible and Penland School of Craft. Kim has received various climate and fiber awards and has attended artist residencies across the US and internationally to inform the research-based woven work.