ALTAR VALANCE I (2016)
I came upon a small photo of an 8th century altar valance discovered in a cave in Western China a century ago. After studying its significance and purpose, I made this translation from scratch.
Silk fabric and embroidery floss, wool batting.
16 inches x 72 inches.
ALTAR VALANCE II (2017)
This autobiographical translation of the first Altar Valance rehearses a conversation with my late father.
Silk & cotton fabric, vintage neckties, wool batting, findings.
17 inches x 75 inches.
TALLIT KATAN (2016)
I studied Japanese traditional rag weaving, Sakiori, which celebrates the life of spent textiles by carrying them forward into new and vibrant artifacts. I wove and constructed this tallit katan from my late father-in-law’s ties. An observant Jew, he had been deeply moved by his experience in Occupied Japan after WWII. The ties he prized and wore everyday became the weft for this ritual garment.
Silk neckties, cotton sewing thread.
28 inches x 17 inches.
SAKIORI SCROLL (2016)
Silk neckties, cotton sewing thread.
SAKIORI PROCESS.
Traditional Japanese rag weaving technique used in Tallit Katan and Sakiori Scroll, vintage silk ties, 2015.
BURIAL CLOTH (2014).
A translation of an ancient Egyptian burial cloth with selvedge striping.
20/2 and 16/2 linen.