Gloria Bornstein explores the confluence of memory, perception and art in her studio and public art practice. Her interest in the archaeology of place drives her art in public places. Using a conceptual approach, she asks, "What narratives give this place its multi-faceted identity? How can I overlay stories of people and place, connecting them to the natural attributes of a place and its functions in the built environment?"

She develops concepts individually and collaboratively with design professionals on diverse civic projects. Her approach is to gather cultural, functional and environmental stories unique to a place, then develops the concept. This aspect of her process allows for great flexibility in her choice of form and materials for artworks that capture the spirit of a place.

The artist studied art at Hunter College, NY, with Lena Dunstan, Haida elder, conceptual art with Allan Kaprow at UCSD, CA, and psychology at Antioch College, Seattle. Exhibitions include the Seattle Art Museum, The Jewish Museum, NY, Bellevue Art Museum and Fuel Gallery. Her public art commissions are placed on the campus of Eastern Washington University, the Seattle Center, Fire Station 10, Chinatown-International District, the streetscape of Harborview Hospital, Microsoft and the Azabu Juban neighborhood, Tokyo, Japan.

“Bornstein is a multifaceted artist who became a therapist while continuing her long career of art making - itself considered a healing process. This combination has accentuated the layered quality in her works, which is not necessarily evident in the viewing process but is perhaps a significant element in their impact. Her public projects seem to slide into place, into their places, merging the “poetics of the collective unconscious with site specific histories”, she says, and revealing “hidden narratives...”
Lucy Lippard, “Sliding Into Place”, 1998