Save Everything

 No Waste

 

My art is in the color, texture and depth.  It's where I ask what if.  Thus everywhere there is color there is art. Everywhere there is texture there is depth.  No waste means using everything I create.  These Shibori dyed pieces were the edges cut off a larger piece of hand felted merino, alpaca and silk.  They are the perfect length for wearable art.  I serged one edge and added my label.  Great to wear several at a time, or hang from a bamboo pole as a mobile. 

Since I always place at least three colors, or shades of one color of dye on the cloth.  This there is movement and depth.  The real pleasure attained using the Shibori technique is when you open each steamed package and discover the results!  The rules for making art are the same rules I apply to writing.

1. Make rules
2. Choose a palette/voice and stick with it
3. Ask “What if?”
4. Don't second guess

The secret to beautiful texture and blend of color is to not use too much dye by learning to read the flow of the dye in the same way a kayaker reads the river before descending over a 40 foot water fall.  The only way to repeat what you discover is to measure and make notes. (Sorta.  You can never really repeat with shibori. )

 

--> “My dear,” she said, “perhaps it is time for you to gather your authority and begin your journey living the layered life of an artist.  --from The Garden Girls Letters and Journal

Raw Silk Duster with Crepe Scarf

What I learned with this duster is the difference when I presoaked the raw silk in a solution of vinegar and water.  I rope wrapped each piece which was precut for the finished design. The patterns are more fluid and pale.  There is move diversity of colors.  At first I wasn't pleased, however, the more I have viewed and pondered the finish duster, I like it.  The crepe scarf uses the same colors of red, orange and yellow which have been shaded with black.  It was not presoaked, therefore the colors are deeper.  This is one of the looks I plan on featuring in the next Lexington Fashion Collaborative Future of Fashion 4 on June 22 

Wear It or Use It

Art is Everywhere
Make Art Now

Using your imagination, this could be a funky scarf, made on the FeltLOOM from scraps of leftover shibori dyed felted alpaca and merino wool and silk , or it could be art supplies for making your own art.   The widest part is 6.5”  the narrowest is 1”. The natural edges are alpaca and merino, the body is silk. The art is up to you!
Find it on Etsy