On and Off the Plate is a textile study done in the Fall of 2020 that focused on two different moments an individual experiences while dining:
1. The sharing of stories and conversations around the table or in the kitchen
2. The reaction of tastes and flavors brought by food itself
I identified these moments as ones that occur either on or off a plate. On-the-plate moments might appear when flavors and textures are united to achieve a balanced and enhanced flavor profile. (yummmm!!)
By contrast, off-the-plate moments are easier to identify! These moments transpire as groups of people gather and exchange perspectives, opinions, and stories. For most, these are the occasions that make cooking and dining experiences more memorable!
view slide deck
these are fabric samples that resulted from using the following techniques:
-disperse dyeing
-reactive dyeing
-marbling
-shibori resist dyeing
-screen printing
-crayon transferring
process documentation
Almost every step within the process of this study was documented in my handy dandy process book! Much of its content consists of collaging, note-taking, and planning my next steps moving forward.
fun fact: I thrifted this sketchbook from a local reclaimed art supply store and revamped it! I can only imagine what its previous owner must have brainstormed on the ripped out pages :)
visualizing the study
Aside from my 15 samples, another deliverable I produced was an apron. Made of a polyester and cotton blend to ensure that disperse dye could be performed, the apron visualizes several moments that contributed to my understanding of how
on-the-plate and off-the-plate moments are fused.
Midway through the study, I began to use tangible memories I had from being in the kitchen as design motifs. This was a way for me to represent some of the conversations that are had when dining. By this, I mean the discussions and reflections we tend to have on old times. (peep a young catya and my sweet abuela!)
collection
You might be very curious about how this study on dining relates to the development of fabric samples and an apron. I was too at first!
An important question I had to ask myself at the beginning of this project was “how might I be able to visually represent the marriage of two very different notions?” Answering this question depended on which dyeing techniques to use, design motifs to visualize, and color palette to follow.
I found myself with a final result that was colorful and visually assorted. Since the experience of preparing and sharing a meal with others is far from being dull and nonvocal, various dyeing techniques were layered on top of each other to symbolize fluid conversation.
Cooking and eating can also be MESSY (depending on the cook or diner, of course!) Representing the process of flavors becoming intertwined within the cooking process also influenced the direction of this project.
Lastly, you may catch a glimpse at a few words, phrases, or sentences within the 15 samples and apron that could be spoken during a meal!
