The materials in my newest series are autobiographical and central to this body of work. Building on the new shapes and forms I experimented with in my Bird Brains series, I am combining fibers with textiles and thermoplastic in more organic and open-ended ways.
A metaphor for my yearning to bridge cultural gaps in understanding, these sculptures combines materials that tell my life story. Denim clothing and horse hair represent my childhood in Texas. Cotton muslin – a fashion prototyping staple – is representative of my decade living in Paris and working in couture. The use of sumi ink and tatami grass is a nod to the three years I spent living in Japan. And finally, the feather-like protrusions and drone-like fins I affix to my sculptures are made of thermoplastic, a versatile and shape-shifting material that represents my current life in New York City where people are free to take many forms.
