CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH

“We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter what their color.”- Maya Angelou

CUT FROM THE SAME CLOTH was conceived during the Covid pandemic while travel was prohibited and feelings of isolation set in. The series has allowed me to create portraits of people from all over the globe that I’ve met on-line and explore my love of ethnographic textiles.  It is my attempt to create a tapestry of humanity, highlighting our sameness while celebrating our cultural diversity.   The subjects are strong, but vulnerable; confident, yet modest; beautiful despite their imperfections.

I am drawn to textiles because of their universal elements, as well as their beauty.  Textiles have been produced since ancient times, they’ve swaddled us at birth and wrapped us in death.  In between, they have adorned us, sheltered us from the elements, decorated our dwellings, and have been involved in our customs and religious rituals.  The similar patterns and symbols seen in ethnographic textiles from across the globe suggest our commonality. The process of creating textiles has inspired innovation and community. Colors are made from a variety of natural elements from earth and rock to fruits, insects and plants. Some textiles are further embellished with seashells and coins. The scenes and patterns depicted give us a glimpse into daily life throughout the millennia. Artists throughout the centuries have been documenting and showcasing ethnographic textiles in their paintings and sculptures.  Our own personal choice of textiles is a form of self-expression.

I’m interested in the effects these textiles have in our lives; how these strands of natural fiber, cotton, silk and wool have infiltrated and influenced our collective and personal aesthetics and have woven into our individual DNA.

The portraits in this series encourage us to ponder the significance of culture in our lives and how one’s ‘background’ reflects our genetics, archetypes, histories, character and personalities.

My hope is that the individual portraits resonate with each one of us.  When viewed together, one should see the beauty in all peoples, regardless of nationality, culture, color, race, and religion. While this project started during a period of isolation and loneliness it ultimately gave me a sense of community and filled me with tremendous joy, vitality and hope in humanity.