Stephanie Lerma

Much of my making develops through the mass accumulation of a single element. I am a papermaker and paper is often a significant component in my constructions - though I enjoy incorporating traditional handcrafts, pate de verre, and cast metal. My making always begins with research about specific ideas and proceeds by attempting to translate meaning through materials that I feel best represent the subject matter. What I am most compelled to create are objects and installations that relate to the inequities of social constructs, the environment and the often devaluation of our most basic human experiences: love, sex, mothering, food, shelter, health.

Stephanie Lerma is a New Mexico native and has been a hand papermaker for the past 30 years. In recent years, cast glass and metals have found their way into newer works. Her making interests are informed by cultural and gender issues – particularly as they relate to motherhood. She has degrees in English and Women’s Studies from the University of New York Albany and received her teaching certification in piano pedagogy from L’Ecole Normale de Musique in Paris, France. Her works are in numerous public collections and have been shown in universities, museums and galleries in the United States, Japan, China and South Korea.

2-D, 3-D, Ceramics, Collage/Mixed Media, Fiber Arts, Glass, Installation, Painting (all materials), Sculpture