A Cairn is a mound of stones erected as a landmark, memorial, monument or burial site.
I was inspired to create these bound objects while dyeing fabric using the Japanese technique called Shibori. This technique offers an infinite number of ways one can bind, stitch, fold, twist or compress cloth that can result in a variety of different patterns on the cloth you are dyeing.
What I love about this process is the many different ways you can create a beautiful, intricate pattern. Some patterns are random while others are precisely planned.
One of my favorite ways to use the Shibori method is to bind the cloth with river rocks, glass stones, corks, driftwood and beans. I bind the chosen objects with rubber bands or string to create a resist that once dyed creates unique patterns. I like to randomly bind different size objects together as it always results in an unexpected surprise.
When preparing and binding these objects to dye. I find this method to be very meditative and peaceful. I have found on occasion, I fall into a syncopated rhythm that allows me to create these bound objects into colorful, symbolic sculptures.
I found once all the binding was done, these small objects reminded of the Cairns in Ireland. It triggered the memory of my visit to my Grandparents homeland. I had the opportunity to meet my relatives for the first time and connect to the land that was very dear to my ancestors. In my travels through Ireland I am reminded of the mounds of stones that mark the sites of historical battles, burial sites to honor the dead and the Cairns that had religious and sacred significance to the people.
In Ireland, there are many stories told about these rock formations. The storytellers make these images and structures come alive with magic and mystery. The history of these Cairns is rooted in the earth and the people.
In creating these Cairns, I create my own personal stories and symbolism. The binding and rebinding of river stones, cork, driftwood and small glass stones create intricate structures that are rooted in an ancient history. The hand dyed fabrics express colorful patterns and textures. Weaving the hand dyed fibers and threads throughout the structure further reinforces the bound objects. I embellish them with hammered copper and brass disks, anodized color wire and other natural treasures I find on my travels while hiking locally or in the tide pools. The hand wired spirals woven throughout these objects are an ancient Celtic Symbol. The spiral symbolizes the cycles of time, the seasons, birth, growth, death and then rebirth. Each Cairn is named after a Celtic woman who was either a historical figure or apart of Irish folklore. These women were strong, independent, fierce and colorful.