Hidden Words: Down the Rabbit Hole

Hidden Words: Down the Rabbit Hole is part of a series that investigates methods for the incorporation of text into the development of hand dyed and embellished textile surfaces. Generally, this piece is inspired by the seminal artistry of those working in the development of art cloth such as Jane Dunnewold, and Carol Ann Waugh. The use of narrative was inspired by the story quilts of Faith Ringgold and the art-wear entitled Narrative Dress by Harriet Popham. Down the Rabbit Hole is a combination of storytelling, and surface design communicated via an artistic approach to cloth as a medium of expression. Layers of meaning emerge as if doodled over time on the pages of a journal or notebook; what at first may appear random, upon closer inspection, reveals a conceptual somewhat psychedelic narrative of Alice's fall down the rabbit hole. The narrative, taken from lyrics written by Marshall Barer for the song "Lost in Wonderland" fades in and out via alternating technique of resist dye and machine embroidery. This piece began as blank silk noil that was first flour-paste resist dyed to apply the narrative to the surface with a bamboo skewer. A blue over-dye was applied via a low-water immersion dye method. Further techniques such as mono printing, free form machine embroidery, beadwork, applique, color discharge, and stenciling were utilized to develop the surface of the cloth. Elements of the composition such as circles and spirals were chosen to communicate an idea of holes or falling. In addition, clues such as the name Alice, and an embroidered silhouette of a small dress may reveal conceptual inspiration. The piece was backed in cotton felt, stretched and framed.