​Alexis Silk is a student of human form. She combines her knowledge of anatomy with her passion for fire to create female figures in cast metal and hot sculpted glass. She moved to Chicago to receive her BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 2005, where she specialised in bronze and iron casting. Simultaneously she independently pursued glass blowing and hot sculpting. Since receiving her BFA, Alexis has studied under such glass masters as Pino Signoretto, Richard Royal and Boyd Sugiki.

Technically, Alexis is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Her glass figures are sculpted entirely free‐hand while the glass is hot on the end of blowpipe or punty rod. With work ranging in scale to life size torsos hanging in six-foot tall steel frames, her largest figures are close to half her body weight and take a team of five or six assistants to handle the glass while she sculpts it.
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While making intrinsically beautiful objects, Alexis explores issues of human nature, society, and the relationship of humans, nature and industry. Her hanging figures, for example, are an eloquent exploration of objectification of the body. The glass simultaneously appears like skin and evokes a sense of something superficially applied, like a garment. Cast iron “meat” hooks are a visceral comment on objectification of the body. The colour on the interior of the torso being different than the exterior colour suggests that if one goes below surface appearance there is more to be discovered. Steel frames represent conceptual boxes of perception that society puts us in.

Her sculptures address issues on human nature and world philosophy. Specifically the interrelationship between humans, nature and industry. Also targeting feminine issues her female forms are shown as strong, emphasizing sexuality as a strength. Her work questions gender roles and stereotypes associated with women. While making intrinsically beautiful objects, Alexis subtly targets issues, representing various view points both negative and positive on society and humanities relationship with the world.

Alexis describes the source of her inspiration as all around her. The human figure in its many forms is a window and connection to our humanity (and our divinity). The tension and interdependence of society and the individual is the milieu with in which we live. There is always ambiguity. Power, for example, can be expressed as ugly, demeaning and objectifying, or it can be beautiful, strong and joyful​.

AWARDS

SOLO Award Winner, International Art Expo NY, New York NY                                 2013

Best in Show, Bayou City Art Festival, Houston TX                                                      2012

Best in Show, Arts Beats & Eats, Royal Oak MI                                                             2011

Best in Show 2nd Place, Gold Coast Art Fair, Chicago IL                                              2010

Jurors Award, First in Glass, Artigras Fine Arts Festival, Jupiter FL                             2010

Jurors Award, Best in Glass, Main St. Fort Worth Art Festival, Fort Worth TX         2008 - 2009

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