Inspired By: Tom Van der Borght
I was going down a rabbit hole looking at images of masquerade costumes when I stumbled upon Tom Van der Borght’s work and was stopped in my tracks. WOW. I love his use of beads, zipties and paracord. It makes me rethink how i uses these same materials in my own work
Suit of Armor
What happens when vintage silk ties are woven onto a metal dress form adorned with a zip tie tunic?…
Protection from the patriarchy.
March Exhibitions & Beyond
ONGOING
Metamorphosis: Recycled, Repurposed, Reimagined
Exhibition Dates: February 9- April 21
Opening Reception: February 9 from 5 to 7pm.
Location: Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center; 13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD
Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation
Dates: January 17- July 17
Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY
NEXT
Touchstone Artist Residency
Dates: May 10-24, 2024
Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA
Free Your Mind @ Touchstone
Dates: May 17 – September 20, 2024
Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA
Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry
Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024
Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ
Free Your Mind @ 2024 Summer Discovery
Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30, 2024
Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm
Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE
American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded
Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15, 2024
Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN
Turning Mangoes into Leather
Who knew you could turn juicy mangos into vegan leather? #magic
Inspired By: Pinaffo & Pluvinage’s En Cascade
This installation is so compelling and gets me thinking… The whirring panels animating Pinaffo & Pluvinage’s cardboard installation are powered solely by sand!!!!
Watch below and rabbit hole of wonder here.
The Best Of Old School Soca mixed by DJ STYLEZ
I’m often asked what I’m listening to in the studio while I work. There’s nothing like the energy of classic soca tunes to elevate my artistic spirit.
Distant familiar tunes from yesteryears carry memories and stories, creating a nostalgic atmosphere in the studio. It’s like taking a trip down memory lane while I’m in the zone, allowing me to tap into a reservoir of emotions that enriches my creative process.
Next time you find me in the studio, you can bet these classic soca vibes will be echoing through the threads and colors. 🎵🎨
Why I Love Textiles…
I can’t help but marvel at the incredible role textiles play in carrying the torch of tradition. It’s like they have this magical ability to bridge gaps—be it cultural, temporal, or geographical. Textiles aren’t just fabrics; they’re storytellers, weaving together a vibrant tapestry of history, techniques, and artistry that breaks through boundaries.
Take a moment to appreciate the intricate patterns adorning traditional indigenous garments, the meaningful Ankara motifs gracing ceremonial textiles, or the subtle, timeless codes hidden within quilts. Each thread, each stitch, is a vessel carrying the essence of our heritage, traversing the vast canvas of human experience.
As these textiles unfold their stories, they become tangible links across time and diverse cultures. It’s a beautiful dance—threads weaving through the loom of different traditions, connecting the past to the present. And here’s the magic: they don’t just stop there. They effortlessly extend into the future, allowing traditions to intermingle and unfurl seamlessly.
So, let’s celebrate the enchanting journey of textiles—their ability to carry the weight of history, to stitch together cultures, and to create a fabric that binds us all. Every weave tells a story, and every pattern echoes the whispers of our shared heritage. 🌐🧵
Beyond Tapestry Expanded
I am thrilled to share some exciting news: my work, the Blackity Black Blanket Ladders, has been selected for inclusion in the American Tapestry Association’s show, Beyond Tapestry Expanded. This opportunity is truly an honor for me as a non-traditional fiber artist.
The Blackity Black Blanket Ladders are more than just pieces of art; they are a reflection of my deep exploration into implicit bias and the complexities that arise from discussions surrounding sensitive topics. Implicit bias is a shared human experience, one that I believe is essential to confront with self-awareness rather than moral judgment.
Through this body of work, I aim to provide a visceral portrayal of the relentless barrage of microaggressions and the absence of comfort they create. Each ladder adorned with zip-tie blankets symbolizes my journey to ascend beyond these microaggressions, yet the weight of these interactions often feels like an impediment to progress.
I want to emphasize that acknowledging bias is not a condemnation of character; rather, it is a call to action. Neglecting the impact of bias is shortsighted, and my art seeks to urge individuals towards self-awareness and collective action in dismantling bias.
By confronting biases head-on, we can work towards fostering a more equitable and understanding society. Through this visual narrative, I hope to inspire others to join me on this journey towards greater empathy and inclusivity.
Thank you to the American Tapestry Association for recognizing the importance of these conversations and for providing a platform for artists like myself to share our perspectives. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue through my art.
American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded
Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15
Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN
Work in Progress
As an artist deeply passionate about sustainability and the beauty of the unexpected, I’ve always been drawn to the idea of giving new purpose to discarded objects. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking something that might otherwise end up in a landfill and transforming it into a work of art that sparks wonder and curiosity.
I am still sourcing the materials to embellish the braids so I expect to be working and completing this piece, while I am in residency at Touchstone Center for Crafts this Spring and Fall.
more to come…