Mess Hall

2003-2013

Mess Hall existed as a 500 square foot experimental cultural center in the Rogers Park neighborhood of Chicago--a place where visual art, radical politics, creative urban planning, and applied ecological design could intersect and inform each other. We hosted exhibitions, discussions, film screenings, brunchlucks (brunch + potluck), workshops, concerts, campaigns, meetings (both closed and open) and more. 

 

 

 
 
Featured
Seed by Seed, Ho-Chuck Banner on Bascom Hall
Seed by Seed, Ho-Chuck Banner on Bascom Hall

I was part of a team which created special banners to commemorate the 175th anniversary of the University of Wisconsin. I worked with doctoral student @mollipauliot (Ho-Chunk) and Art Dept Professor @stephen_hilyard to create images
based on Ho-Chunk beading.
 
Molli and I first came together around a shared interest in the language and structures of textiles, basketry, and natural fibers. Using these shared interests, we created a design for the banners that celebrate the technical skill of the handmade. This abstract visual language is at the heart of textile forms and innovation, which is possible when we apply this knowledge to create solution-based designs and beautiful objects. Hilyard created a software workflow involving polygonal modeling and instancing to create a 3D digital model of the 160,000 beads in the banner. The final image was digitally rendered from this model. Developing ideas for honoring the Ho-Chunk Nation and the university’s commitment to Our Shared Future, this design team recognizes the past while focusing on future community building between these two forces. 
 
The banner design project incorporates Our Shared Future concepts as a learning opportunity while including Ho-Chunk design, the sacredness of this land, and community building between the university and Ho-Chunk Nation.
 
Our Shared Future is a process, not a land acknowledgement or something to recite. It is a collective act of moving forward together from ignorance to awareness;  an educational framework for posing questions; and an opportunity to celebrate Ho-Chunk people,
as well as learn about the hard truths of our histories with them.
It is a challenge to educate ourselves and each other, and create a better future together. 

#textiles 
#hochunk #nativeamerican #beadwork @uwmadison

Hello Loom Wins Wisconsin Innovation Award

Hello Loom is a small business that designs tools and tutorials to engage people in the process and pleasures of weaving. The portable and efficient design of the laser cut looms makes getting started fast and fun with endless potentials of learning traditional skills and prototyping new weavings. The design is efficient, focusing on refined features such as the wooden needles, comb and integrated display stand.

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Interlacements Exhibition at Køng Museum in Denmark
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The Art 5- Interview with Hannah Payne
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Politiken Article--Lace up your shoes and get out the door.
New Article Published! -A Dialogue about Social Weaving: The Weaving Kiosk and Weaving Lab
New Article Published! -A Dialogue about Social Weaving: The Weaving Kiosk and Weaving Lab
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2020 China and USA Technology and Innovation in Fiber Art
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I am in a new documentary called Our Corner of the Planet
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Image, Structure, Fold
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I will be teaching at Arrowmont!