I layer history, reimagining, craft, and queerness in intimate objects meant to be held and worn and used. Rooted in the context of our past and present, and acknowledging the existing difficulties, I create queer possibilities through wonder and speculative futures. Craft and textiles invite connections, while my symbols and imagery of space signal exploration.
In this show, I have the first two Universe Flags. The Universe Flags series came from two main thoughts: environmental concerns and connections beyond nationalism.
For the past 5.5 years, I have been surrounded by flags at my workplace. Flags for the United States and other countries, flags to represent companies and organizations and missions. I wondered what a flag representing the universe would look like, if it would be possible to connect people not to a nation they happened to be born in or live in. To extend connections beyond borders. I want to enhance individual and collective roles to each other and to Earth and to the universe.
The challenge with the Universe Flags is to make them recognizable as flags while not using traditional symbols that may invoke a relation to an existing nation’s flag. This led to avoiding the most prevalent colors of red, white, green and dark blue. I also avoided stripes, stars, and coats of arms.
I experimented with different dyeing techniques to achieve the patterns and hand stitched on top. To me, these resemble the universe, from the microscopic images of cells to geologic formations to images of galaxies from the spacefaring telescopes.
To make it resemble a flag and not just a tie-dyed tapestry, I went with a vertical hanging with grommets looped on to a “pole.” I used a branch in place of the pole to further the connection to the environment.
The Universe Flag series continues with two more in the works now, as I continue to explore what a flag can be and what our connection to the universe can be.
