Bark, twigs, driftwood, fabric, and thread
What happens when differences get close to each other, and discover that something lively and interesting happens…
Watch the short video clip below to see the creative process of making these assemblage bundles.
I’ve been exploring the idea of coming together – gathering, connecting, bonding, and belonging – in the form of assemblage bundles. There’s a coming together again and again, in all manner of combinations and configurations.
Each one, each bit of bark, twig, driftwood, fabric, and thread is so unique. And each one belongs within a group, with their own kin.
They jostle among themselves, sort between their uniqueness, and find their place to be themselves.
Each one is free to move around and explore and align with others, too. And so they do.
By being with others who are not like them, a new perspective comes. They are open. No one dominates and they listen and see each other in these new combinations. They’re willing to shift slightly this way or that to better make space for everyone.
Then something lively and interesting happens. They like being close to each other, close to others who are not like them and who are like them. They form new bonds and kinships. They like this way of being, being with others, and it feels like they’re being close to themselves, too.
There is peace.
The materials
Bark, twigs, and driftwood
Coiled, cinnamon-like bark found on a nature trail in St. John, USVI
Fallen twigs from my backyard and nature hikes in the region
Drifted wood found on the beaches of St. John, USVI, rough from the elements and sand still clinging on them
Bleached and softened driftwood from Haines Point, DC, washed up after heavy rains
Lao thread and fabric
Indigenous cotton thread, hand spun, and natural indigo-dyed in various colors, sourced from Laos
Handwoven, and natural indigo-dyed cotton fabric from weavers of the Phu Tai ethnic group, sourced from Laos
“Bark, twigs, driftwood, fabric, and thread” was originally published as an exclusive post to my Patreon supporters in March 2022. Now the writing and photos and video are public to you, too!
And I’m excited to announce that since December 2022, I’ve switched to Ko-fi!
Ko-fi is also an online creator platform and makes it easy for fans to financially support creatives with either a one-time donation or signing up for a monthly subscription. It is where I share early access and exclusive content of my creative process, original stories, and inspiration. My work explores fiber arts, nature gathering, mark making, photography, and writing.
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A big shout out to my wonderful supporters! Thank you, each of you, for supporting my ongoing creative work – Julie B, Sharmila K, Sushmita M, Kori J, Marga F, Kara B, Kristina L, Laura C, Louise B, Beck C, Skip M, Chris Z, and Richie M. It means so much and I am grateful. I think of you as create these posts, what I write about and share, and I hope that it offers you insight and inspiration along the way.