I’ve been busy printing samples for my architectural series this semester.  Taking photos, making stencils and thermofaxes has been keeping me very busy.  However, I’m really enjoying it!

The sample above was inspired by the Egyptian Building in Richmond, VA on the MCV Campus at VCU.  This structure was build in 1845 by architect Thomas Stewart for what was originally the Medical Department for Hampden-Sydney College.

You’ll notice that the top print sample was inspired by these gorgeous iron gates that appear on the front entrance of the Egyptian Building.  Such awesome detail!

This semester I’m taking a Senior Critique class.  It’s a pretty neat class where we explore what it is we’re interested in and work on our artist statements to prepare us for the ‘real’ world.

For this class I’m focusing on local Richmond historical architecture as my inspiration.  I plan to work with patterns and details from these structures and create patterned fabric that will then be used for home decor items along with possibly reupholstering some thrift store furniture.

To get the juices flowing I took a ‘walking tour’ of sorts along Franklin Street and Monument Avenue last week.  And what a great place to start!

Over the years, many of the building along Franklin Street have been purchased by VCU and turned into office buildings and classrooms.

I’m so glad VCU chose to repurpose these historical gems instead of tear them down and replace them.

I haven’t quite decided if I want to create very simple patterned fabrics such as these beauties above from Hammocks & High Tea or…

go for something dramatic like this pillow pattern by Helena Carrington.  Who knows…maybe a combination of the two!?

I’ll also be exploring the possibility of creating these architectural details in shibori, binding and dyeing the fabrics to recreate the patterns found in RVA architecture.  That could be VERY interesting!

So, stay tuned and please stop by again for updates!