BFA, Studio Art
Dual Discipline Focus
Primary Focus: Photography & Imaging
Secondary Focus: Jewelry & Metalsmithing

maddyprodoehl@gmail.com

Artist Statement

Holdfast

I found climbing during a transitional time of my life. COVID-19 was raging, and lack of socialization took a toll on my mental health. I was left feeling isolated. During this time, my partner brought up that he wanted to get into climbing. We talked to my stepdad, who was a frequent climber back in the day, and he gave us all the information we needed to get started. The memory of our first-time climbing is etched into my brain. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and a new way to connect with the landscape around me. Although I didn’t know it at the time, it also gave me a community of people. Holdfast is a collection of photographs and objects inspired by this community. It could be due to the high intensity of the activities done together, but I came to learn that these friendships formed fast and felt secure. My photo book takes a documentary approach, using images and stories to look into how these connections are formed. A selection of photos from the book are also displayed on the wall. While the large images are meant to catch your attention, the smaller photos show intimate moments of connection. The objects in Holdfast are inspired by what brings us all together, the act of climbing. Cast bronze imprints of my friends’ fingers are embedded in plaster replicas of rock features they gravitate toward. Through the constant repetitive act of climbing, the fingerprints are worn away. This can be seen both on the objects and the jewelry, which focuses on the unique texture of the fingerprints. Often times, parts of the skin get so thin that the texture changes and they create no print at all. I etched my friends prints into steel and roller printed into silver. Each piece of jewelry was made for one of my climbing partners and designed in a style they like. In the end, Holdfast celebrates not only the act of climbing but also the relationships it fosters. Climbing is much more than a physical challenge, it’s a shared experience that requires trust, communication, and mutual support. The past few years have taught me the importance of having a community of people to support one another, and I appreciate the sense of belonging it’s given me.