Maddie Sturm

Maddie Sturm is a student of Art Practices in Printmaking at the University of Colorado Boulder. She grew up in the quirky town of Durango in Southwest Colorado until she decided to move to the “big city” of Boulder, Colorado, to pursue her Bachelor of Fine Arts. Nature was so intertwined in her upbringing as a child, that she feels nature is her emotional connection to the world and is often the only time she feels like she can catch her breath. Throughout her art practices, she hopes she can bring attention to the codependent relationship between humans and mother nature, passing on the message that in hopes of loving her, we love ourselves.

Growing up in a very female-centric household I have always felt inspired by the women intertwined in my life, and have greatly influenced me as an artist. I hope to continue the support that I received from older women in my family and become a consistent supporter of my two younger sisters' lives. Looking back on my upbringing and memories and experiences I have formed with my sisters I have felt greatly inspired to tell these stories throughout my work. Sharing these intimate moments with a greater audience is vulnerable, within each piece I uncover another piece of my life. Nothing quite compares to the experience of growing alongside someone from birth up until adulthood, and that unique relationship lives on for as long as you’re alive. However, I allow room for the audience to interpret the work on their own terms, which brings a sense of mystery into the narrative of each piece.

I want to bring light to sensitive experiences that both myself and other women in my life have experienced by bringing awareness to the similarities but allow space to emphasize their own stories. The main obstacle that has been a huddle for many of these women in my life is their relationship with their bodies, and how it impacts the way they perceive themselves. We will often try to change the way we look to fit into a societal box of “perfection”. Being able to acknowledge these tendencies and push back, willing to expect ourselves as we are both physically and mentally is difficult, but extremely rewarding. However, one’s body is such an integral part of identity.

Emphasizing the inherent bond women have with each other and acknowledging when our lives may become parallel, and supporting each other when we find commonalities. My efforts to share these experiences will lead to closure, for both myself and others that I choose to incorporate into my work.