RSS

2008 and before

Cache/Cyber Fyber Invitational Exhibit, South Carolina, Jan 2009 (completed Dec 2008)

Cache, detail

“Cache” is a composite of techniques and ideas, many of which I was exposed to or shared on line, with my “Cyber friends”. The piece initially started as the middle section, a depiction of neurons, the artist’s brain working and assimilating knowledge. A cache was originally defined as a treasure trove or repository of gold and precious items; in our current lexicon, it applies to computers and is a collection of data duplicating original values stored elsewhere or computed earlier, or a temporary storage area where frequently accessed data can be stored for rapid access.

How apt then, that my Cache is both the old and the new, as I incorporate handwork and technology aided machine work.

With cyber connections that potentially develop into real friendships and sharing, there’s still that element of reaching into the dark and not knowing what you will find, or what will touch you. I used dark purple, turquoise and beads to symbolize the image of millions of single bodies sitting in the dark with a lit screen in their faces. Thin, hand dyed fabrics infer old textiles, worn and fragile but still beautiful and useful. Red is for the passion that pours from fingers into text and image. I used see through areas: online, we reveal bits of ourself—skin and feelings, secrets and jealousies, pride and confidence. Metal sparks in the light, little doors and windows, lit by candles in the dark, shared flashes of consciousness, bytes of information. I also incorporated gifts that had been sent: silk paper from Jackie Cardy, angelina fiber and roving from Emmy Schoonbeek, buttons from MaryAnne Richardson, hand dyed fabric from Deb Lacativa, and used rubber, computer parts, hoarded crystals and artificial leaves, fabrics done a decade or more ago in a college setting, and recycled scraps. untying of common threads. I have learned so much on line, made valuable personal and professional connections and been exposed to many different viewpoints. It’s not all harmonious, but it is endlessly fascinating and fulfilling.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~