Forest Alethea

Visual Art – New York - Brooklyn

I create in many different mediums in order to express my love of nature, textiles, and texture. Fibers form the basis of my collections and the process of creating new textiles through hand manipulation enriches each garment. Every piece is thought about in terms of maximum sustainability. I source fabric based on organic fiber content, natural dye use, and recycling discarded fabric. Zero waste is a large part of my exploration of silhouette and textile development and i strive to make conscious decisions about materials. I use various forms of hand knitting, machine knitting and weaving to create a textile which enhances the form and is also comfortable. These garments serve as a sanctuary, a protection against the world and a reminder of our connections to others through the fibers and threads we choose in our every day life. Our connections with others dictate how we branch out and create for the community rather than just as a single entity. Although I studied fashion and textiles I also translate my work into paintings and mixed media drawings. I predominantly work with oil pastel, acrylic, colored pencils, and ink. Recently I have moved on to using more watercolor and oil paints within both abstract and figurative work. Two-dimensional work is a large part of keeping up with everyday art. I record my surroundings and keep a sketchbook for drawing and poetry as well.