No place like home
Jaime Collier's Home Spun show features printed natural-fiber fabrics witheco-friendly pigments
Can Houston be greener? That’s artist Jaime Collier’s question to the community through her exhibit, Home Spun, on view at Spacetaker Studios as part of FotoFest 2012.
Collier recently partnered with fashion designer David Peck for his successful CrOp Collection using materials selected for their durability and low impact on the environment. She’s now expanded her focus on socially responsible and sustainable textiles to home furnishings and décor elements.
"The common thread among humanity is the need for a home where each individual is accepted, safe, and respected."
With Home Spun, Collier has transformed Spacetaker's ARC Gallery into the common rooms of a home, shaping each space through her photographs and signature style of digital printing onto textiles.
“Defining ‘home’ has been a recurring theme in my life and work," says Collier, who shoots commercially with her business, Casa de Camera, and teaches at Episcopal High School. "My passion for cultures has led me around the world; from Uganda, Ecuador and Hawaii; to discovering new underground cultures here in Houston.
“The problems each culture face only look different because of geography, Struggling to meet one's basic needs within the restraints of their societies, the common thread among humanity is the need for a home where each individual is accepted, safe, and respected."
Collier uses digital textile printers to transfer her original photographs which, unlike conventional textile manufacturing, entail very little waste of fabric, ink, water or electricity. For Home Spun, she printed custom, natural-fiber fabrics with eco-friendly, water-based pigments. No additional chemicals were used in the printing or preparation process.
In the exhibit space, you’ll find Collier’s CrOp pieces surrounded by restored furniture pieces wrapped in her latest textiles, as well as samples for visitors to touch and feel. Along the walls are the original photographs, all inspirations for the fabrics, which are for sale at wholesale and retail prices.
Collier encourages people to contextualize the ideals of what “home” means to them as they browse her artwork. Is it a family? Is it a building? Is it a feeling?
That’s for you to decide.
Home Spun visitors are welcome Monday through Friday by appointment. The show is open to the public 2-5 p.m. Saturday and 3-9 p.m. on April 28 in conjunction with Open Studios at Winter Street Studios. Collier also address the issue during a gallery discussion on sustainability in Houston 6-7 p.m. Thursday at the studios. Jennifer Gaines of Buffalo Bayou Partnership, Filo Castore of Perkins + Will and Joseph Fowler of Forest Design Build are scheduled panelists.