“Legacy” is a visual narrative of our environmental inheritance.

Inspired by Japanese Boro patchwork* and the art of Sashiko stitching*, this piece is a collage of cyanotype* printed images depicting our wasteful habits, with faded bits of nature woven throughout. In the shape of a baby blanket, it symbolizes the burden we are passing on to future generations.
(*see below)

Much like the Boro tradition, where successive generations mend and add to a garment, “Legacy” challenges us to consider the contributions we are making to the fabric of our planet’s future.

I was drawn to exploring Sashiko/Boro textile art because of its fascinating history and symbolism. Boro garments represented resilience, sustainability, resourcefulness, and the passage of time, which deeply resonated with the theme of my project. For this piece, I used Sashiko stitching symbolically, to reflect the accumulation of damage and waste over time. Additionally, I incorporated the cyanotype method of printing, which involves using sunlight to create prints on fabric, adding a layer of symbolism to the piece.

Each stitch and line carries a specific message, representing moments in time, repairs, or amendments to the fabric of our environment.

Altogether, the piece conveys a message of reflection and awareness of our impact and current detachment from the natural world.

Boro Patchwork: Boro is a Japanese term for patched or mended textiles. Historically, it originated from the frugal practices of the Japanese working class, who would patch and repair clothing and household textiles repeatedly to extend their lifespan. Boro patchwork involves layering small pieces of fabric, often indigo-dyed, and stitching them together to create a new textile. It’s known for its utilitarian aesthetic and durability.

Sashiko Stitching: Sashiko is a form of decorative reinforcement stitching from Japan. Traditionally, it was used to reinforce points of wear or to repair worn places or tears with patches using simple running stitches. The white cotton thread on the traditional indigo blue cloth gives sashiko its distinctive appearance. Nowadays, sashiko stitching is also appreciated for its decorative qualities, often applied in quilting, embroidery, and other fabric arts.

Cyanotype: Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a cyan-blue print. Cyanotypes are made by treating a surface—traditionally paper but also fabrics or other materials—with a solution of potassium ferricyanide and ferric ammonium citrate. When exposed to ultraviolet light, the solution turns a deep blue color, creating a negative image where the light is blocked. Cyanotype is also used artistically, where objects are placed on the treated surface to create shadow images or photograms.