Shell Carpet

Emily Carr University of Art & Design

Materials: Plaster, animation​

My initial animation success came from an endeavor to craft a carpet that could move and transform, telling the story of the trade route, all while floating above white plastered shells. The inspiration for this unique piece came from the shell floors in the middle courtyards that were traditionally used by Middle Eastern residents as a means of keeping their homes cool while also behaving like natural alarm systems, as the shells would make noise when thieves walked over them. The dual function of this simple organic material opened new curiosities for my artistic practice. For this projection, the shells were placed in the interior of the gallery to form the base of the artwork. As the piece was developed, it became a labor of love that required both endurance and meticulous attention to detail.