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| Alexis Abrams
Artist's Statement Painted
clothing is, for me, an exciting and inspiring medium in which to
express color and design. I initially studied art history and painting
and later combined these interests with my knowledge of clothing
construction. I'm influenced by the artists Rufino Tamayo, Mark Rothko,
Helen Frankenthaler, and Sonia Delaunay for each's unique integration of
color and design. I've also been influenced by living in Los Angeles
with its rich cultural diversity, as well as its many fine museums and
galleries. Especially memorable were an exhibition of Ancient Mexican
Art and one of the Art of the Japanese Kosodo. I most appreciate
clothing that is unusual, luxurious, and well-crafted, but that has an
element of understatement. I try to achieve that in my work.
Technique
After deciding on an idea for a piece and making color samples, I begin
work with white silk stretched over a large horizontal wooden frame.
Using a watercolor technique, I then paint the fabric with the various
shades of fabric dyes that I have prepared. When the fabric dries, it is
steamed to permanently set the dyes, and then washed, dried, and
pressed. At this point, small parts of the fabric may be painted or
block-printed with metallic gold paint. And for the pieced jackets, the
fabric is torn into strips and reassembled according to the design
sketch. Next, either the solid or pieced fabric is cut into the garment
pieces and, finally, sewn into the finished jacket or dress.
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