Self Portrait: Cow House 2

Step 1: Divide the photograph into four major values; darkest, dark, light, and lighter. These numbers were then transferred onto the pattern. Then each pattern piece with the same value determination was traced onto white cotton cloth. These pieces of fabric were numbered by its value and then dyed. To dye the same color but with different values I started one dye vat and then pulled out the lightest fabric first, then the second 20 min later ect. Since each piece was pulled out at a different time they were rinsed in a soda ash bath serperately to set the color then hung to dry. Since I knew they were then going to be screen printed I left even the darkest grey pretty light so that the lines of the screen print would show up.

Step 2: I photocopied a map of southern Arizona and had it turned into a transparency along with a photo I took of a lizard camoflaged on rocks. These to me reperesented Sam and I's journeys into the wilderness. The map also included where I was involved in a head on collision that left my body scarred and my state of mind greatly altered. Both of the transperancies were turned into silk screens. The map was done on all the fabrics in black, then the lizard screen was done in varying shades of grey to match the tonal value I was shooting for. Though some of the details of the prints were lost what remains is a visual texture similiar to that of the concrete walls.

Step 3: The dyed and screen printed fabrics were heat set and then cut up to match the pattern pieces. Some found and recycled fabrics were incorporated into areas I wanted to stand out-such as the floor.
Since all the printed pattern pieces I wanted sewn in one piece this involved some 90 degreen angle piecing and inserting pieces into holes cut in a larger section of fabric. Overall the different values start creating a feeling of subtle space.