Charlie Dov Schön: VISIBLIZED
“I am interested in how data collection is an act of tradition and how religion is a series of experiments.”
Fall 2023 Artist-in-Residence at Flathead Lake Biological Station
Still from “tashlich”, a ritual performance on Yom Kippor at Flathead Lake Biological Station
How would you describe your work?
My practice involves creating new ritual objects and garments. For a while, I imagined my data-based pieces to be separate from this more faith(?)-inspired work, but there is a real throughline of attention and repetition within both science and prayer. I am interested in how data collection is an act of tradition and how religion is a series of experiments. My weavings and clothing are often political, using both Jewish forms and scientific language to address an issue.
“i’ve been trying to reach you” site specific installation at Flathead Lake Biological Station
How was your experience as an Open AIR Artist-in-Residence?
I forget how much my practice has to take a back seat to the logistics of the rest of my life when I am home. Being somewhere so beautiful and so new felt like a fresh start. I tend to work on a few different projects at once so having the ability to spread out in a studio space bigger than my bedroom was luxurious. While at FLBS, my co-residents and I visited Glacier National Park, assisted in owl banding, attended lectures from fellow residents in Missoula and experienced the educational programs offered at the bio station. Every day would begin with a (cold!) dip in the lake and usually end with some late-night drawing at a table in the cafeteria.
While in residency, Israel launched a devastating ground invasion of Gaza after the attacks of October 7th. As an antizionist Jew, I felt simultaneously far away from the conflict and very near. This ongoing violence informed a lot of my work in the second half of my residency.
Charlie’s artwork created during the residency
What was your research process during this time?
I spent a good amount of time diving into FLBS’s impressive datasets. Their documentation of lake levels informed my piece delta, a weaving diptych documenting the difference between 2019 and 2023 water levels. In conjunction with this more quantitative research, I was reading a lot of poetry. I find that my pieces often begin with language and then become “visiblized,” so engaging with text was important to me.
“delta” by Charlie Dov Schön
Charlie on Flathead Lake, Polson, MT
Any new projects in the works?
Right now, I am continuing to explore the weighted weavings I began in residency. After visiting Home Resource in Missoula, I picked up a 5lb weight and attached it to a frame I had built with scraps from the burn pile at FLBS. I am interested in the emotional quality of weight, and how a heavy object can, like grief, warp the fabric of our lives.
“shroud” by Charlie Dov Schön
Participating in owl research at Flathead Lake Biological Station
What are you up to now (post Open AIR)?
I am back in MA working on my art along with my day jobs as a Studio Assistant for a painter and a Textile Conservator. Just in case, high-vis lingerie I made in reaction to Montana’s hunting culture is living at Wavelength Space, a contemporary art gallery in Chattanooga, until this summer. Some of my amulet works are currently at a show at Brandeis University, and in May, I am headed to Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts for a one-week residency through their Pentaculum program.
Cabin studio at Flathead Lake Biological Station
Like to know more about Charlie? Visit her website and follow her on Instagram @charliedov.art
