Emergence / Retraction is a series of three chrysalises woven with hemlock root that examines the non-linear nature of healing. In the context of this project, the chrysalis is a physical embodiment of suffering. The white fabric is a symbol of an entity that interacts with the chrysalis. From the front of the installation, the white fabric entity emerges from the chrysalis. However, from the back view of the installation, the white fabric entity is retracting back into the interior of the chrysalis. Healing is never linear, and sometimes suffering feels safer than fighting to escape negative patterns, thoughts, and feelings. Although, that is often a part of healing that goes unseen, hence the retraction side of the installation facing the wall.

The work Emergence / Retraction began by a river with an abundance of hemlock tree roots exposed by the erosion of loamy soil. Those roots were harvested, soil and clay were rinsed off, and they were soaked in a mixture of boiling water and soda ash. The process of weaving these roots was tedious as they tended to have a mind of their own, and the more I worked with them, the more I had to allow the roots to bend and twist in all the directions they desired. The three white fiber pieces were created through a process called nuno felting. This technique combines fabrics such as cotton or silk gauze with wool by using water, pressure, and heat.