May 2018 Unicorn Of The Month: Siobhan van Winkel

Concocting work that interacts with the body I corral many media. Physically bending to the materials' imprint while impacting them with my intent I become their expressive vehicle. Sewing machines extend my body and allow me through a complicated dance of foot pedals to pierce and sew. This process of merging separate media together results in a site of energy transference-the joinery-the activated point that thrusts one medium into another.

In Aromatherapy Machine pumping the bellows activates a system of tubes. Air is ejected through five separate scent portholes releasing a concoction of essential oils that are encapsulated at the ends of these tubes. Textile fibers are impregnated with the essential oils that mingle with the air and are intended to be mood enhancing healing vehicles.

This series is intended to house tools of exploration in the form of machines that enable visceral interaction with the senses. These machines help facilitate the experience of things that are invisible and might not be detected otherwise. Layers of textiles, found objects, parts of machines and scraps are manipulated into these devices.

Working in sculptural textiles there are multiple processes some of which are timed, some are random acts of nature and enable my work to have many layers and moving parts. 

I often work with rescued leather keeping cow hides from the landfill one piece at a time. I am immersed in discovering the plethora of qualities found in leather such as durability, flexibility, and inherent material preciousness. I create protective coverings and objects that interact directly with the body and strive to imbue the wearer with some of this protective aura.

To see more Siobhan's work, visit her website and say hello.