Lauren Bailey

Textiles hold an immense amount of power in their ability to provide comfort not only through warmth but through their ability to transport people to another time, place, and feeling. I find this power particularly present in previously used textiles. My work centers around collecting these heirlooms and second-hand fabrics, celebrating their previous lives and giving them new life. 

Using a combination of weaving, quilting, and natural dyeing techniques, I create soft forms that take the shapes of cushions, quilts, masks, and other pieces for the home. The surfaces of these textiles host a variety of textures reminiscent of those found in the natural world in hopes of extending feelings experienced in a forest, the mountains, and the beach into interior spaces. Reclaimed wood scraps salvaged from broken chairs are incorporated throughout the work adding a grounding element to the sculptural forms. I allow pieces to take shape organically as they grow and welcome the inconsistent array of colors that occur in the natural dyeing process.

The resulting work explores the transformative power of previously used textiles through whimsical home objects and masks that are meant to be touched, reclined on and used to reawaken a child-like curiosity for play and exploration. 

Instagram - @lubailey
Website - laurenclarebailey.com
Email - laurenclarebailey@gmail.com