Member's
Gallery > Carol Lee Shanks Contact Info I strive to make beautifully simple, unstructured garments that feel good on the body, function well and are easy to care for. Integral to these ideals is the element of surface texture. The addition of texture defines the shape of my oversized garments without compromising ease of movement. This way the body is able to function, unencumbered, beneath a generous amount of shaped cloth. Texture also adds versatility to my clothing. In some cases, the surface can be remanipulated, changing the pattern and at the same time, the shape of the garment. A vertical pleat, for example, makes for a more streamline fit, whereas a horizontal pleat creates a boxy, geometric look.
The layering of these textural shapes is an important part of my deign concept. Interchanging garments helps achieve a balanced silhouette and gives the wearer options that reflect their needs .Because the silk is lightweight, an outfit doesn't become too bulky. A layer can be added for warmth and the body is still unburdened. Over the past few years, I have been working with artisan made cloth in addition to the commercial fabrics I am accustomed to using. These new fabrics allow me to add texture that will remain permanent to the cloth. I have only begun to explore the possibilities of permanent memory, using traditional shibori techniques as a point of departure. As my work evolves, surface texture will continue
to play an essential role in my process, presenting me with unexpected
and fascinating results. Carol Lee Shanks designs and handcrafts clothing. She has a great reverence for cloth and allows it to be the foundation of her inspiration. An integral part of her work is manipulating the cloth and experimenting with the different textures she ca create. Once her garments are sewn, she stacks them, layering color, texture, opaque and translucent pieces until she is satisfied with the silhouette. On the body, they come alive with movement, transformed from flat linear shapes into three-dimensional sculpture. Carol has a degree in Textile and Costume Design from the University of California at Davis. She now works and exhibits her clothing from Berkeley studio, where she has established a loyal following over the past seventeen years. Her work is shown and sold in artwear galleries throughout the United States. She is currently collaborating with textile artist, Kathryn Alexander, creating garments from Kathryn's unique handwoven and handknit cloth. Carol has taught workshops and published an article in Threads Magazine about her technique of pleating. Education University of California, Davis, School
of Design Professional Work Experience Emporium-Capwell, San Francisco, CA Design Career Lee Lee Lee Clothing Design, Berkeley, CA Representation Santa Fe Weaving Gallery, Santa Fe, NM, 2003 Exhibitions Fourth International Shibori Symposium Textile Dimensions: Fabric and Form Shibori: Tradition and
Innovation - East to West World Shibori Network Festival The 7th Annual Shoebox
Sculpture Exhibition Third International Shibori
Symposium Asian Persuasion: Contemporary
Works with Asian Influence Art for Wearing 25th Anniversary Invitational
Exhibition Artwear: The Body Adorned Nature and Cloth, Pittsburgh,
PA May 1998 Wearable Expressions Art Clothing for the Body and Spirit Community Service Berkeley Artisans Holiday
Open Studios Teaching Experience The Sewing Workshop Publications Ornament Magazine, Spring
2003 Kodansha International
Ltd. Lark Books, Fiberarts Book
of Wearable Art, Spring 2002 Fiberarts Magazine, Spring
2002 American Craft Magazine,
Spring 2002 Surface Design Journal,
Spring 1999 Fiberarts Magazine, Summer
1999 Threads Magazine, May 1998 |
My
method for manipulating this lightweight clothing makes for easy
care and travel. Quickly hand-washed, towel-dried, twisted up and
left to dry, the coils transform themselves into textured garments.
These separates pack easily, take up little space and weigh next
to nothing.