Bio
Penelope is a fiber artist originally from Austin, TX and is currently based in Kansas City, MO. Her work consists of hand dyed improvisational patchwork, with geometric designs that are reminiscent of buildings, windows, and doorways. She is influenced by the traditional Korean sewing technique called bojagi, which is known for its bold seams and stained-glass appearance. Penelope explores ideas of the interaction between architecture and nature through her geometric compositions in contrast with the delicate nature of the materials she uses. Her work also serves to excite and stimulate the viewer through bold, vibrating colors and abstract designs.
Artist Statement
My work consists of hand dyed improvisational patchwork, with geometric designs that are reminiscent of buildings, windows, and doorways. I use delicate fabrics such as cotton voile and silk organza because of how they move in response to the surrounding environment. The sheer materials along with the bold seams create contrasting lines and a stained-glass appearance. I choose to hand dye my fabric because it gives me artistic control of a unique color every time. My work serves to excite and stimulate the viewer through bold, vibrating colors, and abstract compositions.
I am influenced by the traditional Korean sewing technique called bojagi. This patchwork was originally used to create larger pieces of fabric for making clothes or domestic wrapping cloths. The triple stitch seam used is strong and flat, making long lasting fabric. The dark lines and window pane appearance is iconic of the bojagi technique.
There is a contrast in my work between the natural light fabric and the geometry of architectural lines. When I am making I often think about nature interacting with architecture. I think about how parks reside in the middle of cities, or rivers that flow through the middle of downtown. The geometric lines I create interact with the soft and sheer materials I use, referencing nature in an architectural environment.