Dr. Lindsey Stirek

Bio

I am an artist and educator currently working in the Studio Art program at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. I have had the great honor of studying under many incredible teachers during my fifteen years of training in Urasenke chadō (the way of tea) and half a decade of experience studying calligraphy and kintsugi (lacquer repair). While my artistic education has focused on the rich traditions of Japanese arts, my practice has evolved to embrace the intersection of nature, art, and sustainability. I owe sincere gratitude to those teachers both plant and human who taught me the beauty and fulfillment that comes from gathering, working with, and deeply knowing natural materials. Alongside this work, I also teach and conduct research in manga and anime, with a focus on queer narratives, minority representation, and the intersections of visual storytelling and cultural identity. This work informs both my teaching and studio practice, bridging traditional and contemporary forms of Japanese art and addressing the integral role of leveraging visual storytelling in the narratives we share with and about the world.

Artist Statement

In my recent work, I aim to integrate ecological design thinking and land stewardship practices into my creative processes, resulting in a body of work that celebrates the beauty of the natural world and questions modern ways of thinking about objects and materials.

My artistic ethos is centered around a concept I call “mottainai art,” the art of waste-not. This philosophy arose from combining the aesthetics of chadō and Zen arts, ecological/land art, and indigenous principles of reciprocity and respect for the Earth. Mottainai art values the beauty of imperfection and the importance of sustainability. I repurpose readily available plant materials and/or discarded items to create new and distinctive works that underscore the beauty of renewal and the significance of connecting with the land, people, and things around us. This approach not only informs my creative process but also serves as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue about our relationship with the environment and the value of the everyday.

Through my work, I strive to create pieces that resonate with the natural world, using land art and basketry techniques to craft pieces from culled invasive plants and foraged fallen materials. My art is a reflection of my deep connection to the Earth, and through my art, I aim to inspire others to explore the beauty and significance of our everyday lives and the world we live in.

As an educator, I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and experiences with others. I believe in the transformative power of art and storytelling to foster meaningful connections and to contribute to a more sustainable and harmonious world. My goal is to inspire others to embrace creativity in their engagement with the natural world and to contribute positively to our shared environment through the arts.