When I was 8 years old, my parents separated my sibling and I into our own bedrooms. We had been sharing a room so my dad could have a home office. But when I turned 8, it was time for my own space. Both of my parents felt strongly that we should be allowed creative direction over our bedrooms.
I chose to create an underwater oasis in my room. At this time, I loved the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Museum so much that I was convinced I would become a marine biologist. My mom painted a coral reef mural across all 4 walls in my room and crocheted a “fishnet” to suspend from the ceiling and house my stuffed animals. My dad painted my furniture deep blue and attached dolphin, stingray, and shark hardware. I wish I had pics! This collage will show the vibe – it was full on!
Even though later in my teen years, this theme faded out and was painted over. I have always maintained a curiosity and fascination with the deep sea. I feel best when I am living near a large body of water and even better when I’m in it! As I continue to learn about sustainability and the state of various environment factors, I can’t help but to implement better practices into my creativity.
What to do with materials once they’re finished with the initial use is an opportunity for creative solutions. Artists such as Picasso, Duchamp, Ebendorf, and more have great success in upcycling and repurposing items as art materials. This style or process is known by so many names – upcycling, assemblage arts, arts and crafts, etc. I’m constantly inspired to use what already exists around me in ways maybe others wouldn’t. I’m barely touching the surface of what repurposing materials can include and expect to dive deeper as I go.
The Maritime Collection is really a culmination of these curiosities and interests. I utilized drop cloth canvas (yes, the one you would use to protect your floors or furniture in your home) and second-hand yarn to create an art pieces that can be displayed without buying a frame. I reused these items that would otherwise go to landfills to reduce my own consumption. I crocheted frames around the canvas to allow a collector to display the piece without extra steps or expenses. This is because I believe art should be practical, accessible, and change with material availability.
In showcasing the essence of deep ocean space, I’m also bringing attention to the impact humans are having to the detriment of marine life. The crochet frame doubles as a nod to traditional fisherman sweaters and fishing nets. That both can be useful for us but we have a responsibility to keep waters clean and animal populations thriving.
I hope that this juxtaposition of beauty, wonder, and freedom surrounded by a textile art that is also constraining, suffocating, and littering will cause a viewer to pause and think. Think of the animals, living their life totally interrupted by humans. Think of the life cycle of our textiles. Reflect on the connectedness of every human action to the planet we live on. And remember how beautiful it is and always remain curious.
“We feel we can control nature. We forget that, in the end, nature controls us” Jane Goodall in “Hope”
