Tidepools
November, 2024
This project is an extension of my previous collection of six samples, titled, “Resemblance of Two Sands”. This work will be 3.5 yards of fabric using a floor loom with eight shafts. The pattern will be a variation of double cloth blocks using two separate warp colors. The warp ends that will be visually making up the “borders” of the windows of the double cloth blocks (top-facing) will be a solid shade of indigo-dyed cotton (8/2). The alternative warp ends that will make up the interior blocks of the windows on the front facing surface will be a painted warp of purple and brown of hand-dyed cotton (8/2). The concept for this project will be a deeper dive into the coastline of California in particular and the beautiful and diverse sea life found in the tide pools of The Monterey Bay in California.
This project represents my woven skills, color work, and technique with double cloth. The work itself will be an extension of the windows technique explored in a previous project, however, the concept has shifted focus to the California coastline.
Tide Pools (A Poem)
As I peer through the slightly foamy surface on the rocks below the tall sandstone cliffs, I look for any movement at all. A wave comes crashing onto the rocks in front of me and I step back just in case. As the water rushes over my toes and dampens my rolled up jeans I wait patiently. In just a couple seconds the water rushes back out and I see the vibrant Sea Anemones and little crabs move with the flow of water below me. As I stand there for less than twenty minutes, I witness the changing of the landscape in this solitary pool of little sea creatures. I look up and see a giant wave crashing right in front of me, bigger this time. I run fast up and over the rocks and hurry up the little path, I am safe, as I continue up the little dirt path that ends at the top of the cliffs. I look out for the last time before heading home. It is then I notice how many small tide pools are scattered across the rocks before; ever-changing and unpredictable little windows nestled on the edge of the vast Pacific Ocean.