artist statement
My most notable body of work addresses the climate crisis and the unfortunate effects of society on the planet. Our current way of life creates tension within our natural environment and landscapes, specifically through our consumption of single-use plastics. These issues are addressed through my work by contemplating the relationship between the beauty of nature and the inelegance of plastic. The waste produced by the textile industry is also addressed through my upcycled garment pieces. Through repurposing textiles and plastics, I am able to reduce waste and create works of art that promote a better future.
The climate crisis is becoming more urgent every year, and many aspects of modern life are completely dependent on processes that are harmful to our environment. We must live with the cognitive dissonance of living comfortably at the expense of natural habitats. Time’s Up was created in response to the increasing urgency of the catastrophe at hand. After dying the fabric for this piece with indigo and dye, I then discharge printed with thiox. This method of printing pulls dye out of the fabric, effectively bleaching away the area that was printed. Because indigo has thiox in it, the screen printed elements did not dye completely white and appear to naturally blend into the background. My decision to add plastic was necessary to the message of the piece, and gave me an opportunity to experiment with single-use plastic materials.
After including plastic in my surface design work, I began repurposing old garments and creating new textiles out of fabric scraps that would otherwise be thrown away. The process of creating textiles by hand was rewarding and meditative. By using scraps of fabric, I had the freedom to consider the placement of each color. After creating a tactile collage, I developed the design further by making careful decisions while sewing. My garment designs are heavily influenced by designers such as Bethany Williams, who’s company creates high-end, sustainably made fashion.
Most recently, I have transferred these ideas to digital and 2D mediums. Creating and drawing compositions has allowed me to visually consider the specific effects of single-use plastics. Using methods of typography and illustration, I am able to more directly raise awareness for the climate by creating effective graphics, such as Public Service Announcement posters. My work is meant to create a sense of urgency in the viewer. I want to encourage them to think carefully about the ways in which they consume and live, and how these patterns of our existence can have negative and unintended consequences.