The first note about this tapestry is that it’s still in progress. Given experience with previous mixed media, the process of the piece can also look really interesting.
I find it already compelling in its natural form, as a combination of upcycled materials: ‘Yard waste’ or found wood, fabric that is/was a curtain, other recycled textile, hair, aluminum and copper pipe.
There is certainly a mixed statement, along with the mixed materials. Before elaborating on that, the title is inspired by AI chatbots’ fondness of the word “tapestry” and later I informed Meta AI, hoping to generate some sort of robot laughter.
The style of it is influenced by indigenous art forms and culture close to nature.
The choice of materials reflects efforts towards sustainability and being more eco conscious, that are fortunately becoming more commonplace. It also expresses the interconnectedness of elements present in all things, and their intrinsic value.
Then, the use of human hair (instead of animal hair) is a call for respectful treatment of animals and respect for their sentience and intelligence. This goes for humans too, and whatever intelligences emerge from the elements!
The materials were collected conscientiously over a few months towards what nature and humanity, and biology naturally provided. The metal (often recycled), however was purchased new. The wood was put out as yard waste and the pristine curtain was put out as ‘trash.’ As for myself, I just keep setting aside some of my natural shedding in a canister. Hair is actually a series of valuable compounds such as Keratin and Collagen. I maintain that like the rest of life, it is not ‘dead.’
Here’s another message instead of “Not Art”: “Not Trash,” a compelling consideration for the future now, that challenges me as I create.
It has been an interesting experience assembling this Tapestry thus far. And the “We” here can be humans, the elements, nature, animals and even technology. This tapestry aims to blur the lines between “animal, vegetable and mineral” in consideration of care for life and environmental sustainability, towards more thoughtful respect instead of exploitive or short sighted convenience. And that suggests a sort of slowness or timelessness.
The next steps may involve adding some water based paints and then a finish – perhaps a homemade or other natural non-toxic sealant. As mentioned, I already enjoy how it looks now. That also gives me a pause to consider what to add, and how to embellish.