About the Artist

Artist's Statement

I am driven by my passion for stitching, dyeing and layering a variety of silks. All cloth is inextricably linked to daily experience and evokes strong visceral reaction. Whether in the form of our first blanket, a well-worn scarf material becomes an extension of our individual and collective identities.

My last body of work focused on the house and it’s often paradoxical existence as a place of safety and danger both psychologically and physically. Most recently, I have entered the house and the newer work explores family and identity as well as how these are formed through memory.

My current work is delving deeper into the psyche with objects and imagery based on archaic collective memory. I am creating objects that are reminiscent of ancient artifacts which speak to people about ritual, spirituality and how we define utility. Each piece acts as a mnemonic device for a particular story and becomes part of the telling and re-telling of our shared history.

About Monica Bodirsky

Monica Bodirsky is a textile artist with a Bachelors Degree in Design (BDes with distinction) from the Ontario College of Art and Design.

Born and raised in Toronto of Eastern European parents, she has worked as a graphic designer, as a Program coordinator at the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto, and currently, when not participating in art exhibits or creating artwork, facilitates art classes, and reads tarot cards.

She is passionate about social justice issues and has had several speaking engagements at York University, Ryerson, George Brown and various academic conferences. Monica has also served on several boards including Native Women's Resource Centre of Toronto and Heritage Toronto.

She is still playing the djembe, and still, happily married.