History

Elena Gans-Pfister (they/them/xe) is a fiber sculptor and installation-based artist. Their artwork is informed by micro and marine biology, with liking the concept of taking the micro and blowing it up to the macro. Gans-Pfister was raised learning a variety of hand-fiber processes, which include, but are not limited to: cross-stitching, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and much more. These are the tools to create xe’s bold and expressive work.

My artistic practice is a form of kinesthetic and visual processing inspired by micro and marine biology. I begin following my compulsions and obsessions through working even before I can conceive the bold and expressive sculptures and/or installation’s conclusion. These compulsive and obsessive studies include the exploration of pattern, color, and texture, not limited to a single mode of media or technique. Intuitively working through touch by manipulating, shaping or forming, distorting, and more are mechanisms of my practice.