I got fascinated by the mulberry trees that were first indigenous to the area, then were cultivated and bred in order to support the emerging silk production, and now while still remaining in the cityscape, are slowly disappearing from the urban environment. 

I focus on capturing the shapes of mulberry trees itself as well as printing the leaves of different shapes and sizes. By using old thrifted tablecloths and plants gathered from around the neighborhood, I deconstruct both and then reassemble them into the same recognizable shape of a mulberry tree. 

Here in Tbilisi I started to explore the potential of natural dyes and ecoprinting together as a sort of an applique-painting technique. The dye, when in the water, is fluid, but, when I use the leaf itself to make an imprint, the dye is content within it. Right now I’m playing with the materials and figuring out the rules of this approach. I am applying this technique in order to capture my impressions of Tbilisi from the perspective of the Silk Museum. 

Art residency at The State Silk Museum granted by CEC ArtsLink, NY, USA