Interview: LaThoriel Badenhausen
LaThoriel Badenhausen grew up in rural America on Dakota Sioux land during the “war” years of 1940-1959. These were years of scarcity so it’s understandable that “bricolage,” inherently funny, became a way to make. She is a product of that place. She always uses humor (laugh then think). (refer to the “Ig Nobel prize”)
In her series “Period Piece” (2006 ongoing), she appliqués texts of wisdom with humor to feminine hygiene napkins. Ie: “look before you leap.”
Hair in all forms is a favorite art material of hers because of its spiritual qualities. Hair is able to “live” radiantly long after its donor has died. Hair may contain the essence of its donor’s person and her soul. (refer to what the apostle Paul says about hair.). Hair is seen as imbued with magic. In “Sky Curtain with Bringing in the Sheaves,” (2024), LaThoriel uses HAIR nets to form the Milky Way as she remembers it from the prairie. To energize the sheaves she placed family hair onto the sheaves.
To make her coat “Herstory” (2024), she formed a coat from a vintage London theatre curtains then stitched text and personally potent symbols of the artist’s life into its lining, revealed only when “Herstory” is spread wide open.
To assemble hand held sculptures “Assignments” (2024). LaThoriel centers various banal novelties and rhinestones around spent ammunition bullets to garnish a flaccid “Wake” focused on a mother’s hope for a Lazarus event.
Read our interview with LaThoriel below!
installation view of Period Piece, feminine napkins with mixed fabric, beads, applique, 2006 - 2024
PP: Walk us through a typical day in your studio or generally through your process to make new work.
LB: In the morning, the first thing I do is make my coffee and walk around each room in my house that serves as a studio, and look for things that speak to me with humor: objects and symbols that make me giggle but also make me think. I usually have 5 or 6 things going at one time, so as I move through each room I like to check on the health of those objects. I never see my work as finished or put it behind glass. If it is finished it is dead, where as if it lives in my home and offers the opportunity to be modified it grows.
Herstory, Theater curtain, embroidery, 2024 (closed view)
Herstory, Theater curtain, embroidery, 2024 (open view view)
PP: What motivates you to make art?
LB: Making art is all I know. The idea that motivates me to make art is the lingering question of “what if?”. My work aims to solve this question with objects, materials, and text compilations that respond to or probe this problem with a visual. “Ambiguity” is essential to be present for any kind of audience.
PP: Do you ever work collaboratively and how so? Why or why not?
LB: This year, I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with Giovanna Lazzarini who brings technical new media skills that involves my practice at a deeper level. Our goal is to explore larger social and anthropological theme and get work discussed from a greater purview: i.e museums, non profit, etc. Seeking collaboration opens up new perspective and opportunity for work to grow and live, widens my laborious handwork into new digital life and means.
Sky Curtain, Hairnets, acrylic paint, curtain fabric, upcycled fabric, ribbons, hornets' nest, paper jewels, beads, thread, 132 x 15 x 81 inches, 2024 (detail image)
PP: What are ways you support other artists?
LB: We are all in this game. It is essential to support other artists because you increase the opportunity, pleasure, and successes that advance the industry. I feel strongly that the people I have encouraged by giving have nurtured me as an artist and as a female artist. Directly give artists in need money with no questions or strings attached. Share information about work flows and opportunities that might align with their practice or peak interest.
PP: Who is a current muse for your practice?
LB: Susan Hamburger, is a multi-media artist in Brooklyn, New York. Her work is my muse, that touches every part of my spirit. Its political and gorgeous. Whether its fantasy, drawing/painting on walls, elegant wall panels, paper mache birds, paper helmets, color swatches, everything she has ever done. Her color chemistry always contributes to her message in a potent way. Everything I could ever dream of my work to be has been accomplished by Susan.
To learn more about LaThoriel’s work, see her Instagram and Website