“Spirit Bearers” was inspired by Uzbek amulets which are traditionally made by women and are believed to protect loved ones (and livestock!) from evil forces. Amulets made of ikat fabric from Uzbekistan contain community sourced requests for healing for persons and the world. Paper casts of deer antlers and scissors provide anchors for the amulets. Antlers suggest mythical spirit creatures who guide the perplexed. These artworks are made using cast paper, fabric, thread and Joomchi.
Uzbek Amulet
Spirit Bearers Series
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x84x34 in, 2023
Spirit Bearer
Detail
Spirit Bearer I
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x23x34 in, 2023
The cast scissors remind me of my mother cutting fabric at the dining room table to make clothes for us—-her love language. I asked people to write on small pieces of paper the healing they desired for themselves or someone they loved, or what broke their heart about the world. Contributions that are private go inside the amulets, while the ones that can be public go on the outside of the cast antlers. My parents acquired the large antler on a car trip out West—it evokes memories of the joy we got from visiting National Parks.
Spirit Bearer II
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x23x34 in, 2023
Spirit Bearer III
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x23x34 in, 2023
“Spirit Bearers” was inspired by Uzbek amulets which are traditionally made by women and are believed to protect loved ones (and livestock!) from evil forces. Amulets made of ikat fabric from Uzbekistan contain community sourced requests for healing for persons and the world. Paper casts of deer antlers and scissors provide anchors for the amulets. Antlers suggest mythical spirit creatures who guide the perplexed. These artworks are made using cast paper, fabric, thread and Joomchi.
Uzbek Amulet
Spirit Bearers Series
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x84x34 in, 2023
Spirit Bearer
Detail
Spirit Bearer I
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x23x34 in, 2023
The cast scissors remind me of my mother cutting fabric at the dining room table to make clothes for us—-her love language. I asked people to write on small pieces of paper the healing they desired for themselves or someone they loved, or what broke their heart about the world. Contributions that are private go inside the amulets, while the ones that can be public go on the outside of the cast antlers. My parents acquired the large antler on a car trip out West—it evokes memories of the joy we got from visiting National Parks.
Spirit Bearer II
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x23x34 in, 2023
Spirit Bearer III
Cast mulberry & rice paper, ikat fabric, thread, Uzbek tassels & weaving. 44x23x34 in, 2023