Fiber

This section is a little experimental. The last few years, I’ve been following a curiosity for fiber. This has looked a lot like research, trying new techniques, and an education in my ancestry and folk art. My intent is to continue with this process organically, and eventually weave (ha) fiber more cohesively into my art practice.
See below for some examples of the work I’ve been doing:

Hungarian Embroidery

After taking classes in írásos embroidery with Sarah Pedlow of ThreadWritten Textiles, I had the foundation of techniques and stitches I needed to begin to create my own patterns. 

Írásos embroidery comes from Transylvania, so it is part of the traditions of both Hungary and Romania. It is characterized by the bold line made with a chain stitch and thick cotton thread, the monochromatic patterns reflecting symbols sacred to the every day (trees of life, hearts, flowers, etc.) In Transylvania, elder women come together to create huge pieces, but for me these projects took hours and hours of time in solitude or after dinner, among friends. 

The piece of my own design, the wall hanging, depicts the cosmology of Hungarian myth - tulips, pomegranates, birds, hearts, and a rose making up the tree of life, with roots in the underworld, growth in the middle world, and holding up the upper world/the heavens. 

Embroidery

These pieces also reference Hungarian embroidery - at least as a jumping off point - this time Matyo style.  

The left side (work in progress) is inspired by early Matyo embroidery, which originally used just two naturally dyed colors: red from madder root and blue from indigo. I used these two plants to dye my thread, but designed a more contemporary pattern of concentric circles. 

Clothing Construction

I learned to make my own clothes in high school and have recently rediscovered the joy of making adjustable, comfortable pieces just for my body.

These are heavyweight linen work pants with pockets and a double front. 

For now, I’m just making clothes for myself, but if you want a piece altered or mended, check out my offerings page. 

Quilting

This is my first quilt, and it’s made from old clothing and scraps from my grandmother’s supply. My mom will look in here and say, “I remember that dress!”

I’m planning to use scraps from my mending and clothing construction to create more quilted pieces.  

Natural Dyeing

Dyeing with plants and other natural elements = collaborating with nature!


Note: The crocheted blanket that appears in a few of these photos was also a collaboration with a human - The yarn was plant dyed by me with indigo, onion skins, quebracho, and chestnut + iron. The piece was crocheted and constructed by Carolina Porras.