Dumped for a Stripper

Pigeon feathers were collected for one year from the streets and sidewalks of London to make this sculptural book.  The feathers vary in their physical condition depending on how long they had been exposed to the elements.  Each feather is in same condition of how it was found other than being treated to kill bacteria and other organisms naturally occurring.  Some are pristine while others are quite worn and tatty.  Derogatory slang, love letter extracts, and notes of apology are transfer printed onto the feathers before each one is carefully hand sewn onto a braided silk core in the traditional technique used to construct a high end burlesque boa.   The contradiction of materials and process - the found grungy pigeon feathers and the precious, time consuming technique - are representative of the conflicting emotions surrounding the ill-fated relationship.

Transfer printed pigeon feathers, braided silk, thread.  Unique sculptural book.  2010