This piece was initially sparked by an interest in the spice trade and the importance of spices in a variety of historical and cultural contexts. However, as the
concept developed the focus shifted from a general view of the impact of
spices to focused specifically on my own family tradition and heritage. The literal survival of Russian people is heavily reliant on food preservation techniques,
in particular, the use of salt to pickle produce and preserve meat through the
long winter season. I didn’t grow up with many spices in my household, our
food was focused on hearty flavors enhanced by the addition of salt.
I also wanted this piece to embody an unexpected reveal. For a past project, I researched the true extent of the economic divide that exists in Russia. Why is the financial gap so huge yet its presence remains unacknowledged? The tradi- tional embroidery embodies Russia’s facade as a culturally rich and artistically dense nation, but the new wood embroidery technique brings the piece into a contemporary context.
I also wanted this piece to embody an unexpected reveal. For a past project, I researched the true extent of the economic divide that exists in Russia. Why is the financial gap so huge yet its presence remains unacknowledged? The tradi- tional embroidery embodies Russia’s facade as a culturally rich and artistically dense nation, but the new wood embroidery technique brings the piece into a contemporary context.
INITIAL EMBROIDERY EXPLORATIONS
LASER CUT TESTS
VIEW FROM THE FRONT
CLOSE UPS
