After I collect the skins the first thing is to organize them according to shade and thickness. All the patterns I make are handmade. I cut and manipulate the skins using scissors.
Early patterns tests: understanding how best to work with this material required a long development process. I started by inlaying the skins, almost like micro-thin wood veneers. As I immersed myself in my work I felt a strong connection to this philosophy and new methodology. Shining the spotlight on unusual and often underestimated materials, especially using a transformative process to craft something new, excited me.
As I only collect the skins from the grocers, I am totally dependent on their stock. therefore, every day I get different types of skins and colour palette to work with. Almost like seasonal cooking, I surrender to nature’s rhythms and patterns. Letting nature lead me, designing a new function and value. Part of my deisgn process is through the making. Studying the material qualities. Every piece gives a birth to a new one. Some shlieds have natural bautiful textures that revealing to me while im making; that and even spontaneous accidents I find along the way can manouver the plan and be incoporate in the final design.
I collected the skins for 7 months. During this period I always kept a special box of the unique and rare-featured skins that I discovered along the way.I used them on this bangle and the process inspired its name. This pattern is free hand colour degradation and incorporates all the most interesting skins.