Folded Facade reflects my explorations of the divide between the public and the private in our lives. Using linen designed with patterns that fold to specific, exact styles, I make obvious the facade. These linen pieces transform into napkins when placed atop my illustrated tablecloth, further bringing the domestic sphere into the conversation. Napkins are intended for etiquette, for a presentation of civility, cleanliness, and routine. I borrow their likeness to comment upon the formality of inviting guests into one’s home, bringing the public into the private and yet attempting to maintain a veneer of privacy.
My own family is at its most curated when guests are in our home. We all silently present a facade, but cracks are still visible, to those who look closely. In this work I embed symbols and clues to the deeper currents, offering opportunities to catch a glimpse of the “real.”
I am curious about how we internalize societal expectations of appropriate behavior and presentation. Can we share uncomfortable secrets and recognize the diversity of our struggles as moments for kinship?
Through embracing the allure of a designed surface, I challenge expectations in favor of experiences. The offers of vulnerability embedded in my work invite connection. The reveal is in the details, encouraging careful and curious viewing. My surfaces express dense yet organized information and play with concealment through language and illustration. I encourage you to look closer and seek what lies below the surface.