Carnations - Efflorescent

Artist: Errin Ironside 
Materials: Mixed Media
Dimensions: 8x8 in

Artist Statement: I was instantly drawn to the vibrant colors of the fabric and was very intentional with incorporating all the colors used in the fabric into my collage pieces. The shapes of the flowers and leaves were also an inspiration when choosing the imagery I wanted to include in my art. Additionally, I spent time thinking about what the symbolism of the flowers meant to me. My process involved creating monoprints and cyanotypes, along with gathering found papers. Once I gathered everything, I cut, assembled, and glued all the elements to reimagine each piece of fabric into a paper collage.

Artist Bio: Errin Ironside is an artist and graphic designer from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Her central art practice focuses on creating handmade collages using found materials. She holds a BFA in Graphic Design from Western Michigan University and has enjoyed the opportunity to teach various collage workshops. The tactile nature of the handmade process is an essential counterbalance to her digital graphic design work. Errin is a member of the Special Agent Collage Collective, a global collective of collage artists. She also founded a local artist collective, Collage Crew Kalamazoo, with the intention to connect people through collage art.

Fabric Motif: Carnations are a symbol of love in Japan. They are often given as gifts to close family members, especially to mothers on mother's Day

This piece was part of the Yukata Inspired 2024, a collaborative exhibition between Okan Arts & Danaca Design featuring metalwork and collage. Learn more and view the entire collection HERE.