FABRICating FORM: generating three-dimensional upholstery amid experiments in process driven design

As an artist and designer, I created works of art by actively researching, reflecting, experimenting, and producing projects which embodied theories, methods and processes of both practices. Additionally, my work utilized research from numerous disciplines, which include art, craft, furniture, fashion, graphics, mathematics, and architecture. I strived for the user/viewer to experience not only a physical connection with my designs, but to also have an emotional engagement with them. My research aimed to enhance the image of the upholstery trade by examining the design possibilities of the craft. Much of my process extended apparel fabric manipulation techniques to the upholstery and structural systems of furniture in order to reveal the potential of transferring the methods from fashion to furnishings. The techniques informed the design process through the introduction of alternative approaches to upholstery manipulation, sewing, and patterning. The method helped to transform two-dimensional flat upholstered surfaces into three-dimensional upholstered forms. I categorized my early experimental works as one-of-a-kind. However, I explored streamlining my processes of making in order to investigate other methods of construction. Additionally, I researched how fusing furniture design and traditional millinery processes allowed for small batch reproductions of my works. Ultimately, my approach gravitated toward balancing handcrafted techniques with digital methods of fabrication.