Small Assignment #1

Hello everyone! My name is Astrid Larson and I am a junior majoring in Interdisciplinary Arts and Linguistics. My Interdisciplinary Arts concentrations are in studio art and computer science, and this class combines those disciplines which peaked my interest. I am very interested and curious about the intersection between art and technology and 3D printing is a classic example of this overlap. I am also a ceramicist- so I have taken a lot of interest in the research work in the Hand and Machine lab.

I chose a fashion piece from last May’s Native Fashion Week which was held in Santa Fe for the first time. Carrie Wood is a Diné designer based in Santa Fe who created this piece, a mix of different regional weavings, including those of Diné, Palestinian, and Ukranian/Eastern European people.

Weaving is one of the oldest forms of craft and has ties and history to cultures across the globe. Weaving is very mathematical in the patterns and designs which are woven into the fabrics and the application of elements like embroidery. This specific outfit features three notable weavings styles. The main body of the skirt is sewn out of the Palestinian (and generally Arab) cloth called the keffiyeh/kufiya. This weaving has become a symbol of resistance in the past decades and especially in the past year. It features fishnet and olive leaf patterns and is woven on a loom. The layout and repitition of the pattern is computational thinking realized through the spacing and patterning on the loom.

Also featured in this look is a Ukrainian scarf, known as Hustkas in Ukrain or Masani scarves to the Diné. The floral patterns of the scarves are said be influenced from those of Persia and surrounding areas, which have many fractal patterns in the mapping and weaving of their textiles. The Persian geometric pattern became more floral in the Ukranian-style weaving which is an interesting cross between the math of the weaving and the math found in flowers. You can read more about the relationship between the Diné and this scarf here.

The Diné element of this look is through the belted weaving around the model’s waist and draped over her arm. Many Diné weavings also have fractal elements and other geometric patterns.

The symmetry and compositional balance of all three of these textiles are fascinating as they are all historic and cultural practices that pre-date the discovery and exploration of many of the featured patterns. For example, the fractal was not coined until 1918, though Persian and Diné people had been using the math behind fractals for centuries prior. Also, by adding in botanical motifs there is math brought in through the depictions.

I really enjoyed briefly researching the math behind weaving (not as much information as I thought was accessible) and I hope to learn more. Thanks for reading!