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Artist Statement
Mindful of environmental concerns, I embrace the challenge of using recycled fiber as my medium. I process the fiber by felting, botanical printing, dyeing, and/or sewing, and then I sculpt it to create one-of-a-kind, wearable, statement pieces. Influenced by vintage styles but striving to include a modern twist, I hope to create an item that flatters and inspires the wearer.
For example, I manipulate recycled wool sweater fiber using a combination of felting, dyeing, botanical printing, and sewing techniques. Loosely woven wool fiber is condensed when agitated and becomes stronger and stiffer, therefore, conducive to the creation of hats and gloves. During the process, the melding of fibers results in new colors, textures, and shapes, and design ideas evolve. Thus, I, "Tame the Tattered" thereby transforming recycled textiles into abstract wearables.
I am concerned about the impact of waste upon our environment, especially plastic (polyester fiber is a type of plastic usually derived from petroleum). I use recycled textiles that are of high-quality natural plant or animal fiber (mostly wools and silks) as my raw materials. To my surprise I've found that using these materials is giving me a chance to experiment with the substance and characteristics of the most common, as well as obscure, unusual, and unique fibers.
PRESS
https://www2.ljworld.com/news/2013/jan/07/upcycled-wares-and-lawrence/
Sources for more information about environmental issues and "Fast Fashion" and the textile industry:
https://www.fashionrevolution.org/
http://www.newsweek.com/2016/09/09/old-clothes-fashion-waste-crisis-494824.html (watch out for sound on this one)
http://www.npr.org/2016/04/08/473513620/what-happens-when-fashion-becomes-fast-disposable-and-cheap
Info about Corporate vs Individual Responsibility click here
