CONCRETE SHADOWS

A series of three fabrics each responding to observations made while whiletraveling. I was inspired by architectural elements in both private and public spaces and turned my observations into woven textiles. The colors and patterns that were inspired by a selection of eight photos taken during my travels. Throughout the design process I considered light as it interacts with the fabric and its role in my inspiration for the series. 

Concrete Walls

Cotton Textile, dyed with avocado pits, indigo, kamala extract, and rosemary, 23in x 97in, 2018

Concrete Walls is inspired by cool concrete walls painted in bright colors and smooth textures that line the streets of Oaxaca, Cartagena, and Valetta. I was interested in how the colors shifted and shadows created sharp angles as the sun changed positions. The pattern was woven in a twill to create an illusion of deflecting light similar to the various shades of the colored walls.

Concrete Shade

Cotton Textile, dyed with cochineal, kamala extract and Osage, 23in x 90in, 2018.

Concrete Shade was inspired by concrete blocks molded into geometric patterns found built into most buildings. The negative space in the walls allows natural light to illuminate them and air to flow through, cooling the space. They are decorative and utilitarian. I emulated that feeling by weaving floats into the weft and dying the warp to fade from yellow orange to pink, reminiscent of the bright natural light. When the fabric is hung next to the light, it casts a shadow onto the surfaces around it.

CONCRETE TILES

Cotton Textile, dyed with indigo, Osage, and rosemary, 23in x 87in, 2018.

Concrete Tiles is a play on the many different beautifully patterned floor tiles found all-across both countries from public plazas to private homes. The repeating tiles reminded me of repeated patterns woven on my loom. This pattern was modified from an existing pattern by using alternating blocks of color in the warp that were also mirrored in the weft. The alternating colors in the repeat allows specific parts of the pattern to be complete while the other parts take on different shapes.