Day 2: The things we wear/carry

M. Lim
M. Lim
Jul 20, 2017 · 3 min read
Ojibwa artist, Bandolier Bag, 1890. Wool and glass beads.

We start our day in the Native American galleries, learning about bandolier bags created by Cherokee, Creek, Ojibwa and Seminole artists. Getting up close, we notice that they are elaborately embroidered with tiny glass beads all over. Historically, glass beads had tremendous value and were even used as currency. Early bandolier bags didn’t have any pockets, but men used them to carry their prestige. However the complex floral/geometric patterns were entirely designed and woven by women, who gave them as gifts to their brothers and sons.

Jeffrey Gibson (Mississippi Band Choctaw/Cherokee), Freedom, 2012.
Found tipi poles, raw hide lacing, artificial sinew, buffalo hide, acrylic paint, wool, glass and plastic beads, sterling silver, turquoise, and quartz.

Next we learn about parfleches, containers made out of animal hide. As nomadic tribes moved from place to place, they packed their belongings in large box-shaped parfleches mounted on tipi poles dragged by horses. We look at a contemporary interpretation by artist Jeffrey Gibson, and then create one ourselves while reflecting on our own experiences of “home”.

“Having grown up moving around my whole life provided personal experiences that have caused me to identify as somewhat nomadic . . . always questioning what ‘home’ is defined by. I have become comfortable moving and have found great freedom in that ability.” -Jeffrey Gibson

Prototyping with Duct Tape + Fabric

Did you know you could create a functional, lasting bag prototype with only fabric, duct tape, and staples?

Collective Bark Cloth

Inspired by creative bark cloths of the Pacific Islands, we paint our own textured patterns and assemble them into a collective class cloth.

Screen Printing (on a grid)

Starting with identical stencils of a 6x7 grid, we are able to generate our own unique designs by taping certain areas to stop the ink from pass through.

Design Challenge @ DAM

A summer class at the Denver Art Museum exploring life and art through design thinking. Re-imagined every year, for ages 9–12.

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M. Lim

Written by

M. Lim

Freelance web developer / teacher

Design Challenge @ DAM

A summer class at the Denver Art Museum exploring life and art through design thinking. Re-imagined every year, for ages 9–12.

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