Plant(n)ation at The Clemente Open Studios. Thank you, Linda Byrne for hosting me, and thank you for this photo. May–June 2019
Not a prayer shawl. Photograph by Linda Byrne. 2019. 24″x36″. Beading and embroidery on fabric; indigo dye and antique fabrics.
Embroidery, gardening, harvesting and extracting dye from indigo can feel ritualistic as they are slow, repetitive processes with centuries of history and cultural tradition. This piece questions (absence of) religious ritual, allegiance, loyalty and faith in a time of state-sponsored xenophobia and rising anti-Semitism and other hate crimes. The piece can be worn in a way similar to a Tallit or wall-hung, recalling the flags in my Ascent/Descent (Dissent): Flags for Peace and Unity series.
Plant(n)ation: Brooklyn As Farm
Sponsored in part by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC)
Plant(n)ation is a textile garden and community-informed farm. Textile garden has had iterations at The Invisible Dog Art Center, Holistic Picnic and Clemente Open Studios (pictured above). Embroidered gardens will be replaced by plants requested by community members, including native and nonnative species. Plants so far include morning glories, flax and indigo, wildflowers, edible wildflowers, cone flowers and more. Stay tuned for more information about public harvesting events.
Indigo harvest, 9-29-18. Photograph by Lily Maslanka.
Thank you to Puffin Foundation West for funding Crowd-Seeded New York Textile Farm, now in its third year, which will be installed at GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden on Governors Island starting mid-June 2019.
Incantation for The Nation now available as a blanket — order yours today!
Thank you, The Nation, for creating this limited-edition blanket, perfect for the beach, a picnic or a protest of your choice. With few in production, order yours online today!
