Weave

Learning to weave was a most enlightening experience - I enjoyed learning about how Indian textiles and handlooms are created. India has a rich cultural tradition of textiles and this course taught me to appreciate handlooms, weavers, and the amount of work which goes into making our national dress - the saree.

From the initial shock of how mathematical the weaving process is, to the frustration of broken threads from not being careful enough - this project truly challenged my notions of creation in a way painting and drawing hadn't done before.

My final pieces (bottom three images) were inspired by the colours of the sky during sunset.

Sample 1 Basic weave	Sample 2	Sample 3
Sample 4	Sample 5	Sample 6
Sample 7	Sample 8	Sample 9
Sample 10	Sample 11	Sample 12
Final 1	Final 2	Final 3

Shibori Dyeing

I chose the Shibori project as an elective at school and it ended up being one of my best creative endeavours.

Shibori is the Japanese word for manipulating fabric. It is in essence, a method of resist-dyeing. The root word 'shibori' means to wring, squeeze, or press. It was probably learned from the Chinese. The main fabrics used were silk and hemp, with cotton being a later addition. The dyes used were indigo, madder and purple root.

The tension of the thread and the clamps must by exact otherwise the dye creeps in.

Aside from learning how to dye, Shibori taught me that no matter what grand plans you may have, you do not have control over the final product. This is not only a valuable lesson in art, but also in life.

My final project started out as a fine art piece and slowly evolved into some of my best creations - a saree and a stole. I have always been enamoured and inspired by the saree and never miss an opportunity to show off the final product - by proudly wearing it!