Marissa Saneholtz

Bio:

Since graduating from East Carolina University, Marissa Saneholtz has taught at several institutions including East Carolina University’s Italy Intensives Study Abroad Program in Certaldo, Italy and Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. For two years, she worked at J. Cotter Galleries and Studio in Vail, Colorado as gallery manager and assistant studio manager. She currently teaches at Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, OH.

Saneholtz’ work appears in several books, including Art Jewelry Today II edited by Jeffery Snyder, and Humor in Craft by Brigitte Martin. It has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and is on display in the Dorothy McKenzie Price Permanent Collection at Bowling Green State University, as well as at the Racine Art Museum in Racine, WI.

Statement

I make narrative based jewelry and objects using humor and sarcasm. Referencing housewife ideals reinforced during the Early and Mid 20th Century and putting a modern twist on vintage graphics, my work converses about my views on current gender issues and my search for identity in today’s society. In the world of comic books and fairytales, the good guy always wins and Prince Charming saves the damsel in distress. I explore those ideals with cynicism and sarcasm. The closer I get to defining my own character, the less idealistic I become.