Recent Work Sculptures/Biomaterials
Using sustainable, and wherever possible, natural art materials is central to my most recent sculptural work. My hope is that by demonstrating the artistic potential of these biodegradable and ephemeral elements, I can raise awareness around climate change and microplastic pollution in our environment. You can read about some of my research and my 2023 Climate Change Artist Residency in Vermont here.
Chitin, derived here from the exoskeletons of sea creatures, is the second most common biopolymer, after cellulose, in the world. It's non-toxic, biodegradable, translucent, light-weight, and a truly inspiring material.
Chitin
This video shows an experiment I did on Cape Cod, putting a biomaterial sculpture into the ocean. I wanted to see how long it would take for it to collapse and begin to biodegrade. It took about 10 minutes for it to partially disintegrate and break free from its anchoring post, drifting off into the sea. I’ve tested this material as an artist/scientist in both fresh and salt waters, and in other varying conditions, always with differing, interesting, and, occasionally, surprising results - so satisfying and exciting each time!
Sea Change 1 Biomaterial on fabric 14”x 28”x 12”, 2023
Oro 1, Sea Change series Biomaterial, pigment, and wire 12”x 19”x 2”
Untitled Biomaterial on fabric experiment 2023
Sea Change 2 Biomaterial, artist-made botanical pigment, and wire 12”x 19”x 12"
Wave, Sea Change series Chitosan and pigments, wire
Untitled Biomaterial and ink experiment 7” round, 2023
Sea Change series Chitosan, wire, paper yarn, and pigment
Holding Air Silk and chitosan
Riven Biomaterial, silk, metal, 36” round
Sea Lotus Silk, chitosan, and artist-made botanical pigment
Sea Change 3 Chitosan, ink, and pigment
As Above So Below, columns Biomaterial, silk, cold wax, graphite, pigment, metal brads
As Above So Below Installation view University of Maine, 2025 Biomaterials, silk, cold wax, and pigments
As Above, So Below Installation view AVA Gallery, July-August 2024 chitosan biomaterial, pigments, metal, silk, cotton, and wool
As Above, So Below Installation in process photo by Rob Strong
As Above, So Below (installation detail) Biomaterials, pigments, and metal
“In Lia Rothstein’s Sinew series, gut has been stretched seemingly over air, creating a container for that which is unseen. Suspended in a state of tension, this skin-like membrane folds over and under itself in un expected color shifts.” ~ Jenine Shereos, juror, Tension: Process in the Making
Gut
Sinew 1 Gut and pigment, 34”x 12”x 12”, 2020 Photo: Rob Strong
Sinew 2 Gut and pigment 15”x 12”x 8”, 2020 Photo: Rob Strong
Sinew 3 Gut and pigment 18”x 14”x 13”, 2020 Photo: Rob Strong
Sinew 4 Gut and pigment 17”x 13”x 2”, 2020