Home and belonging have been the overarching themes of my work for over 20 years. I have lived in more than seventy-five homes, which has profoundly impacted my practice. Working in and with my community is imperative to my practice, as it is at the core of my expressions.
As a multidisciplinary artist and educator, Malann Klassen formally trained in drawing and ceramics at ACAD (now known as AUArts). Malann has lived in over 75 homes, and her practice is rooted in exploring the meaning of place as both a physical structure and an emotional anchor.
Themes of home, belonging, and material memory profoundly influence the work of this long-time Cochrane resident. She gravitates toward discarded and nostalgic materials that evoke the passage of time, as well as a connection to place and people – reflecting her belief in sustainability and the emotional resonance that comes with texture and reuse.
For Malann, community connection is at the heart of her creativity; she views art as a medium for collective reflection and a means of fostering belonging. Through teaching private classes, mentorship, and her role as a Saffron Collective Studio member, as well as public engagement in Cochrane, she has created numerous spaces for others to feel seen and understood – values reflected in her contributions to The Station’s public art initiative.
