Sarah Spomer: Delicate Threads | Herron School of Art + Design

Join artist and Herron Associate Faculty member Sarah Spomer as she presents her deeply introspective lecture, Delicate Threads, at the Herron School of Art + Design. Introduced by Herron Gallery Director M. Pofahl, Spomer discusses her extensive body of work, which uniquely blends metalsmithing, textiles, enameling, and printmaking to explore themes of neurodivergence, mental health, and the complexities of emotional experience.

In this personal and engaging talk, Spomer reflects on her artistic journey, revealing how her experiences with neurodivergence, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and synesthesia, have profoundly shaped her creative processes and perspectives. Her artwork, spanning from intricate jewelry and handmade books to thought-provoking sculptures and wearable art, serves as a powerful visual commentary on mental well-being and personal identity.

Listeners will discover how Spomer uses repetitive textures and experimental techniques, like torch-fired enamels and meticulous wirework, to navigate themes such as anxiety, depression, and interpersonal relationships. Highlighting her commitment to experimentation and innovation, Spomer shares her methods for overcoming creative challenges and perfectionism, encouraging fellow artists to embrace their unique neurological make-up as a strength rather than a limitation.

Drawing inspiration from renowned artists like Yayoi Kusama and Vincent van Gogh and personal and peer experiences, Spomer emphasizes the importance of art as a means of catharsis and community-building. Her lecture offers valuable insights for artists, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of art and mental health, ultimately championing the idea that art provides profound solidarity in our shared human experience.

Presented by Herron Galleries at Indiana University Indianapolis.

 Ideal for students curious about:
• Metalsmithing & textiles
• Studio art grounded in identity and experience
• Mental health & neurodiversity in creative practice
• Artist-led exhibitions at Herron School of Art + Design