The traditional Japanese Shibori means to wring, squeeze, and press cloth into a variety of motifs and textures by folding, crumpling, stitching, plaiting, plucking and twisting. Throughout history there has always been an ongoing exchange of pattern between the natural and manmade environment. One of the joys of Shibori is that is produces both the repeating motif and the unexpected. The aim is to achieve the right balance between predictable and unpredictable elements, between order and chaos. As a student of traditional Japanese Shiboria techniques, I try to capture all of the energies which the cloth encounters during the dyeing process. The fabric forms a physicality which depicts light, texture, movement and depth to explore the life forces of out environment and the energies that shape and sustain it.
Deborah Hendrick
Artist Statement