CONCEPT
I Don't Want to Forget was conceptualized from ideas around cultural heritage and legacy in the Japanese-American community. Based in the Little Tokyo neighborhood in Los Angeles, California the motifs in this jacquard woven are the physical layout of the neighborhood and portraits of my siblings. Structurally, this textile employs the use of floats, as well as satins and twill structures to create contrasting textures to accentuate the visual storytelling. Materially it incorporates wool, nylon, and polyester yarn. By implying visually the cultural connection the figures and the neighborhood share through composition, this communal concept and theme are enhanced materially and technically.
Shot of full design on the full Jacquard (24" x 72"
Detail of shot woven imagery and striping on back of fabric
Detail shot of woven portrait
DEVELOPMENT
This Jacquard fabric was developed from 2D drawings and translations around community portraits and traditions placed within the physical layout of the Little Tokyo neighborhood. Composition and weave structure was further refined in the weaving program Weavepoint 7 using technical colors.
(Right) Graphic of jacquard imagery using technical colors to indicate weave structure placement
(Left) Graphics of structural programming in the Weavepoint 7 program. Indicates programmed weft colors and structures.
(Left) Collection of drawings and notes during concept phase (Right) Drawing of map of Little Tokyo.
2018