| Collar Species Series | ||
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An
interest in material culture and the stories objects tell gave birth to
the Collar Species Series. It’s common knowledge that what we choose to
wear is a reflection of the social influences of our time, as well as our
own personal taste. Our clothing then becomes an extension of our defined
self. The intimate relationship clothing has to its wearer makes me wonder
if a sort of reverse absorption doesn’t transpire. Is there a point when
the past owner’s essence becomes impregnated into the fabric allowing
the object to become an entity in and of itself worthy of preservation
with its own story to tell?
Found discarded at flea markets and antique shops without known provenance, each vintage collar encourages examination allowing a distinctive personality to emerge. Reflections on the past wearer, however, assume secondary importance as the piece develops. The collar begins to suggest the environment, not the past owner. The crocheted edgings and other manipulations transcend ornamentation and rather become essential defining characteristics. Displayed in specimen boxes, the collars achieve a newly elevated status, therefore, making them worthy of both contemplation and interpretation in their own right.
'Deloris's Collar'; vintage collar with created crochet edging, encaustic paper & fabric collage, buttons & ribbon; Riker Mount: 12 1/4 x 16 1/4 x 1 inches
'Evelyn's Collar'; vintage collar with created crochet edging, bits of lace, hair pins, encaustic paper & fabric collage, button & ribbon, found French Ivory mirror; Riker Mount: 16 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 1 inches
'Sadie's Collar'; vintage collar with lace, encaustic paper & fabric collage, found scissors with crochet edging, ribbon & insect pins; Riker Mount: 8 1/4 x 12 1/4 x 1 inches
'Alphonsine's Collar' ; vintage collar encaustic paper & fabric collage, crocheted edging and beading, found objects, insect pins; Riker Mount: 21 1/4 x 14 1/4 x 2 inches
'Arthur's Collar'; vintage collar encaustic paper & fabric collage, macramé braiding, found objects, insect pins; Riker Mount: 21 1/4 x 14 1/4 x 2 inches
'Emma's Collar'; vintage collar encaustic paper & fabric collage, crocheted elements, found objects, insect pins; Riker Mount: 16 1/4 x 12 1/4 x 1 inches
'Madeline's Collar'; vintage collar fabric collage, embroidered elements, found objects; Riker Mount: 12 1/4 x 16 1/4 x 1 inches
'Lydia's Collar'; vintage collar fabric collage, beaded lace, found objects; Riker Mount: 16 1/4 x 12 1/4 x 1 inches
'Faye's Collar'; vintage collar fabric collage, found objects; Riker Mount: 16 1/4 x 12 1/4 x 1 inches
'Bernice's Collar'; vintage collar fabric collage, filet crochet, horse hair, found objects; Riker Mount: 14 1/4 x 20 1/4 x 1 1/2 inches
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