There you are

There you are (2023). Basket: coreopsis dye & gouache on corded and twined hanji; 5 x 5.5 x 5.5″. Book: pencil on coreopsis dye on hanji, thread, 7” hanji cord; 2.5 x 2.5 x 0.5” closed, 2.5 x 60” open. One of a kind. BIMA Cynthia Sears Collection.

This book in a basket examines the desire to hide from the world when it becomes too overwhelming, and tries to coax a return to the outdoors through gathering flowers for color. This cover/container/basket is made from corded and twined hanji (Korean paper), dip dyed afterwards in coreopsis dye from Aimee’s garden, with acrylic and gouache touchups on the lid. The accordion is brush dyed with coreopsis dye onto hanji, and inscribed in pencil.

There you are

It’s sunny out,
so I wondered
if you were hiding
in the shade.

Of course
you were.

but today,

I sense a
stronger resolve

that you
might
venture out

even though
it’s hot

even though
the air is stifling

even if you
think you
can’t breathe.

Because out here,
even if

the sun scorches
away all the colors

it also gives
more flowers

for you to pick
and boil

to make more color.

Inside,

it’s only dark

save the moments

when I check in

I worry
you are too

used to the
dimness

pricks of light
coming through

here and there.

Used to staying
small,

folded in
on yourself,

only able to
open up
with assistance

so quiet

I worry you forgot

about all these
flowers out here

I worry you
think the

memory of a
blossom

is enough to tide you over forever

there is so much
work to do

out here

so much heartache
and break

sorrow
and famine

flood
and
fire

FLOWERS

so please return
when you can