Lauren Eisen

Eisen's still lives explore formal implied spatial relationships of color and shape, depicting both folded paper forms and natural shell forms in carefully constructed miniature landscape-like settings. Spaces are sometimes compressed to convey a feeling of tension, while others are openly organized to evoke perception of order. Eisen is interested in creating an uncertain, otherworldly sense of depth and scale in her imagery. While the objects the she depicts are actually very small, Eisen manipulates the viewpoint and perspective in such a way that the size of the object can seem variable. The folded paper forms could be perceived as large or small, but when paired with the relative range of the sea shell size, their context becomes identifiable. Eisen's attraction to the simple forms of origami and shells involves an architectural interest; both create a reference to dwellings and vessels containing air and space. The anonymity and universal quality of the forms appeal to her as well; Eisen uses them to explore subtle visual analogies that reflect various divisions and separations created by perceived differences, drawing similarities between unlike objects and reflecting positive interaction of variety or, in opposition, isolation and separation.