Plait

"Plait" is a mixed-media artwork that combines painting with textile techniques. This piece explores the harmony between the paint and the structure of woven fabric. Representing cultural experiences inspired by the traditional straw weaving practice in the Bahamas where straw workers would plait and sew together strips of palm leaves to create bags, shoes, dolls, hats, and a variety of other items. Using this technique as inspiration I decided to change the material of straw to fabric. Weaving the fabric of the canvas along with a fabric called "androsia" a native fabric in the Bahamas originating on the island of Andros that uses the technique of batik dying to create patterned fabric. Additionally, the figure in the painting is referenced from an image of me as a child that I thought worked well with the color of the fabric as well as the curious facial expression on my face. Furthering my idea of cultural perspective in the past, present, and future as well as preservation of that culture.