The Mothership Has Landed!

(Crystalline Octogonal Floorpiece, machine knit, hand and machine sewn, hand dyed. This rug doubles as a spiritual launch pad; all pics enlarge).

And people, it's been an expedition. Damn, where to start? Basically I've been just laughin' and cryin', living, loving and most definitely learnin', in the now; 'cause now's the time and there's no time like the present.

So That's Where I'll Pick Up...

Part of my being M.I.A was reluctance to write in detail about my commissions before they became public. Hey, I respect the client/artisan relationship. And the remainder of my life's travails? Well, they just weren't as interesting. But there'll be other posts for that –– no, really; trust me, I'm having a cathartic moment. Why?

...And Fly Away!

(Jennifer here with final lab dips and octagon series).

The good news is, my beloved artist and collaborator, Jennifer Tee, has been, and will be in residency here in The Apple until December!                                                      

The featured sculpture, was the centerpiece for A Woman's Mind May Resemble A Room, Jennifer's installation presented at the seemingly esoteric ISCP in Bushwick, Brooklyn in May.  In the performance segment, the crystalline series floor-piece morphed into a jetty for the ether showcasing Miri Lee's New York debut of her choreography depicting an interior, psychological space. 

My fabrication of this conveyor to the psyche was no joke. It was knitted in 32 sections, dyed using an airbrush (some sections requiring several sprays) then invisibly sewn to the non-dyed parts before its machine sewn finish. FEH, to the discouraging folks of the dye community who told me airbrushing would be an impossible pain in the ass to do –– it was a possible pain in the wrist instead. But I give thanks to Robin of Aljo Dyes, Tribeca's temple to tint for the talented, for her advice and encouragement. Sis', you rock!

And I'm sendin a huge shout out and thanks to my assistant and the one to look out for, Whitney Harris. Her hands matched mine stitch for stitch, in perfection. And finally a major thanks to Sam, Luis and all the folks at Rug Pad Corner. Their Ultra Premium Pad has elevated all of my knitted textiles to function as a carpet/sculpture. Miri could ascend into the spiritual realm, confident of a solid landing.

 

(photo credit: Nezu In New York. Thanks!)

Comments

[Nik]

That floor piece is beautiful...I love the colors.

[Lee]

Fabu! Glad you're back!

[Sahara]

Hey there Nik!

Thanks so much for the compliment! When we couldn't find the range of colors to make the gradations, I suggested airbrushing. I had used the technique before with fabric paint, but using acid dyes was new. Nothing to it but to do it! I'm so glad it worked out.

I'll be using airbrush to do a lot more yarn dyes in the future.

[Sahara]

Greetings Lee!

How've you been? I hope all is well. I'm very happy to be back. Thanks!

[Sheralynn]

Holy moly, wow!