We’re Leaving the Planet and You Can’t Come

Belted Kingfisher

In the air and in water, the Kingfisher is a singularity of perfection. On earth, not so much. A little clumsy and awkward. For me, Kingfisher speaks of finding your right place, your right clan. The title of the piece, We’re Leaving the Planet and You Can’t Come, is from lyrics of the song, Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl, by Chappelle Roan and feels timely in all sorts of ways. I can imagine all the animals, birds, insects, plants and trees deciding, yes, let’s head out and you humans can’t come. She’s dressed like a swashbuckling pirate for a reason.

She is made using an antique French doll body that has been collaged with my mom’s old clothing patterns and is covered with messages and drawings and a bird patch. Her crest, face, and wings are sewn from vintage Japanese Boro, cloth that has been mended or patched. The Boro cloth speaks of all that the Kingfisher has experienced and through patching and mending, she remains strong and resilient. Her face and neck are embroidered and eyes and shoulder buttons are old French buttons found at a brocante market in France. Her shoulders have dangles with old Venetian and Czech beads. Her beak and pirate belt are made from repurposed leather. Her fish companion is sewn repurposed cloth - green fish shorts that i wore for many summers in the 90s.

We’re Leaving the Planet and You Can’t Come, Belted Kingfisher is a one of a kind mixed media textile sculpture measuring 24 x 9 x 8 inches with a hanging loop on the back.

photo by addison doty