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About RACHEL DE ALMEIDA

the

Artist & In this series, Night Swimming (thank you R.E.M.) I am using different mediums
and sizes to evoke the physical memories we all hold in our bodies. By using the
the same basic image and approaching change through mediums, I am exploring all

the characteristics of my particular physical memories in hopes that the viewer
Work can “feel” along with me.

When I first heard the song “Night Swimming” by R.E.M., the inspiration for this

series it put me in mind of times years ago when we used to go skinny dipping
at night in the Long Island Sound. The things that it evoked in me are the sound
of the night as the water pushes away from your body, the sensual feel of water
on skin, the fragrance of summer. When I am working on this series, I feel, hear,

and smell those nights of my youth. The clandestine trips to the beach in the
dark, hearing the lapping of the waves, it all comes rushing in. I like to work from
emotions, physical feelings as I am guided by Spirit. It brings me into meditation
unlike anything else.

I love textiles, color, movement, and pattern. I decided to use the same overall
image for each one of this series. This second piece uses shiny and patterned
fabrics and embroidery floss to create the feel of my memories and the reflection

of the moon on water. It has many layers of patterns, textures, and color. I wanted
it to feel very self-contained, so I used multiple fabric borders. Whenever I stitch
a piece it is the equivalent of hours of meditation. Slow stitching helps me to calm
and focus.

As I moved forward to the third piece in the series, I decided not only to continue
with the basic image, I also chose to use textiles once again. This time I wanted
a more organic feel with more texture and a bit more primitive. I didn’t use the

intricate stitching patterns as much in this one and instead incorporated a Sashiko
like stitch in a metallic silver floss. For more texture, I used hand dyed cheesecloth
and an extremely shinny silver fabric for the moon’s reflection on the water. Each
time I add another piece to this series, I can bring that piece of my history into

the present. I am planning to continue with this series using different mediums to
portray and enhance the concept of physical memory.

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