Mattress Factory Art Installation

destruction documentation 001, originally uploaded by ambermayhem.

mmmm....I really like it when life comes and embraces me. For several years now I have been going down the wearable art road. I mean, fabric dyeing as a main medium does lend itself very well into making art to wear. However, sometimes an artist needs a push in another direction! So, just when it seems like I need to explore some new ideas, I get an invitation to create an art installation at the Mattress Factory, a world-renowned art gallery/museum that specializes in site-specific art installations. Perfect! My alchemist/mad scientist/visual artist side can come out to play even more!

I have been exploring using the typical processes I use (sewing, fabric dyeing, manipulation of cloth), but with a distinctive destructive edge to them. The photos show some of the process of sketches I created to get some hands-on ideas. I am using bleach, vinegar and rusting techniques to destroy and remove dyes in the fabric. It is so refreshing to get away from functional work! Though, I will probably miss it and run right back to it with new ideas after this is done.

I'll post more pictures as things progress!