This project represents the work expected of me culturally presented in the context of
where I am currently. This work is autobiographical in nature and aims to call back visually to
an American interpretation of ruralism in the context of traditional handmade textiles for home
use.
Trousseaus are riddled with assumptions and overwhelming in their assertions of
societal expectations be they based in heteronormativity, gender roles, motherhood, religious
idealism, puritanicalism and more. They represent a set of rules and expectations a woman is
meant to strive for. In the context of this project, I strive to change the imagery of traditional
marriage goods and to create goods for the life stage which follows the marriage, the divorce.
Thus creating a collection of home goods necessary for a household of one.
One of the constraints I brought to the project was to create the entire collection
without spending any money, using only materials available to me in the studio and which I
could access for free. This project represents the many crafts at my disposal as an
experienced textile artist and the many disciplines necessary to create the basic home goods
many of us take for granted.
The imagery for this project is drawn on from traditional American textile practices of
the 20th century and aim to celebrate and commemorate the more “crafty” works that are not
often praised in the arts world.
This collection contains: A quilt, pillowcase, throw pillow, bed sheet, rug, slippers,
house coat, hanger, apron, placemat, napkin, tea towel, handkerchief, doily, toilet paper cozy
and towel as well as a few other pieces.
