RACHEL DE ALMEIDA

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 same basic image and approaching change through mediums, I am exploring all the characteristics of my particular physical memories in hopes that the viewer 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.

NIGHT SWIMMING #1 (THANK YOU R.E.M.)

Watercolors, pen and ink, paint pens and collage on watercolor paper.

8.5” X 10.5”

Price: $250

NIGHT SWIMMING #2 (THANK YOU R.E.M.)

17” X 25”

Price: NFS

NIGHT SWIMMING #3 (THANK YOU R.E.M.)

11.5” X 21”

Price: $600