Collection Thoughts: Itty Bitty Homes

This collection of miniature weavings was inspired by the big move my family and I made in November 2020. We packed up our Brooklyn apartment and moved to an old house in Kansas (it’s still hard for me to say we live in Kansas.) It took a lot out of me emotionally. I recognize how privileged this is. We were able to pack up our healthy family and move from one safe, warm home to another. So why was it so hard? Change is hard. I had actually never been to Kansas. We didn’t know anyone there and meeting people is hard during a pandemic. Suddenly we felt really silly for putting ourselves in this situation even though our extended Midwest family was thrilled to have us closer. Feeling homesick and mourning our old life in Brooklyn made me think back on all the other places I’ve lived and called home over the years.

Each weaving is named after a street I’ve lived on. I grew up a little more in each of these places I’ve called home. From my childhood home, a college dorm, lots of New York City apartments, to where I brought my babies home and the house where I am growing into motherhood now, each of these places has helped shape me.

I hope you love them as much as I loved weaving each one and that you’re able to think back to all the places you’ve called home too. They are the perfect, sweet size to add to a gallery wall or a picture shelf with your favorite house plant.

Collection Thoughts: Home Swell

Is a collection name any good if you had to explain it? Maybe not but hear me out… Home Swell: What is that? It’s not a thing. I made it up. I like the word “swell” because it can be used in a number of ways. Such as, “to become larger or rounder in size” or, “a gradual increase in sound, amount, or intensity.” And this definition in particular stood out to me, “to be intensely affected or filled with a particular emotion.” All of these definitions combined are an accurate description for how it feels to be steeped in motherhood and growing a family.

I began working on this collection of weavings as I was coming out of a year of transition. My family was adjusting to to the addition of a second baby and the slight culture shock of leaving New York City to live in a small Midwest town. Not to be dramatic but both things shook up our routines and made us question all of our life choices.

I spent a lot of time reflecting on becoming a mother, my growing family and defining home. I like the simple shape of a house and use it to depict motherhood and family. As a mother, I physically housed my babies as my body expanded, providing a cushion from the outside world. As my family grows, household dynamics shift and space is made for new members. In the end, where my home is doesn’t matter, so long as we’re together.