Staci Swider

As a textile and mixed-media artist, my work is a meditation on aging, memory, and the unseen forces that guide us. At 60, I find myself deeply attuned to the wisdom carried by time—both my own and that of the generations before me. My art serves as a bridge between the tangible and intangible, weaving together fibers, textures, and layers to reflect the complexities of human experience.

Central to my practice is the concept of the “guardian”—ancient grandmother ancestors who I imagine as steadfast presences, whispering guidance and gently steering us toward our true life paths. These guardians embody resilience, intuition, and love, qualities I seek to evoke in my pieces through organic forms, earthy tones, and materials that carry their own histories.

By exploring the interplay of aging and guardianship, I aim to honor the passage of time and the unseen wisdom that accompanies it. My hope is that viewers feel a connection to their own inner compass, a sense of being held by something greater as they navigate life’s journey.

This work is both deeply personal and universally human, an invitation to reflect on the ways we honor the past, embrace the present, and trust in the guidance of those who came before us.