Libby O'Bryan

Go Weaving!

2010-05-01T16:08:00.000-07:00

A hybrid back-strap, warp-weighted, tablet loom will produce a woven band through the repetitive, synchronized movements of 16 cheerleaders.

Performance Installation

20' x 12' x ?'

anticipated Fall 2010

Factory Floor

2010-05-01T16:06:00.000-07:00

Reconstructed palettes tile the floor. Industrial sewing machines are set on rigid palettes. The other palettes rest on springs and are connected beneath the floor boards to the foot pedals of the stationary machines. Guided by a ramp, viewers step onto the spring loaded palettes and activate the machines’ motor by their body weight. The machines run a continuous band of fabric though the unthreaded needle which creates perforations and eventually a tear in the cloth.

Interactive Installation

12' x 9' x 4'

November 2009; Chicago, IL

Post-consumer 2

2009-06-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

Post-consumer are the initial constructions addressing the weight of everyday decisions and the fragility of cultural norms. Handmade paper sheets cast on to garbage receptacles are reconstructed as frail, white, hollow forms inviting contemplation of our relationship to these objects - their reliable acceptance of our burdens/detritus and the potential disintegration of our complacency with disposablity.

to see process photos click here

Location: Persimmon Printing - Dayton, Ohio
Recycled pulp donated by Ohio Pulp Mills

Recycled paper pulp, methyl-cellulose, cotton string
h 50” x w 75” x d 40”
May 2009

Post-consumer 1

2009-06-11T10:37:00.000-07:00

I mold hollow garbage receptacles from handmade paper to critique complacency toward disposability. Transforming strong, reliable collectors of detritus and material
burdens into fragile, vulnerable forms challenges the viewer to consider the impact of their frequent wastefulness.

Paper pulp, methyl-cellulose

h 38” x w 24” x d 24”
March 2008

Sewed In

2009-04-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Sewed In addresses issues of disconnection with in industrialized society. The sewing machine, a tool used to connect materials, symbolizes all technology and mass production which has disconnected consumers from the materials and processes of making. An infl ated bubble, reminiscent of the recent economic situation, envelops the machine operator isolating her from everything else except her machine and labor. The cloth begins to assume the performative role and the operator less critical. The work, the stitching of cloth, suffocates the maker.

Polyester fabric, sewing machine, table, chair, fan, can lights

performance: April 30, 2009
20 minutes real time

Darn

2009-03-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Sock darning, an abandoned practice of repair, meditatively performed in front of relentlessly streaming media.

Socks with holes, yarn, video

2 hour performance: March 27, 2009

video 1: agriculture industry film, Monsanto industry film, Growing Power documentary
video 2: American Experience “Crash of 1929”, Frontline “Meltdown, Barak Obama Inaugural Address
video 3: Godfrey Reggio “Koyaanisqatsi”
video 4: Godfrey Reggio “Powaqqatsi”

Shibori Tea Party

2009-03-11T09:51:00.000-07:00

Guests were invited to steep tea from hand tied organza bags. After drinking, bags were dried, stitching and contents removed, and bag cloth was redistributed to it's drinker. Tea had dyed the cloth and resisted where stitches had been to create pattern on cloth.

Organza, loose tea, honey
event: March 4, 2009

Lint Teddy

2008-12-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Dryer lint, glue
8" x 5"
December 2008

Dumpster Compact

2008-11-11T10:35:00.000-08:00

An attempt to slow down the action of throwing away, allowing time for reflection. When the dumpster's lid is lifted, the mirror slides forward reflecting both the trash inside and the user simultaneously.

Plywood, door mirror, tension rods, chain, misc hardware
4’ x 2’ insertion
November 2008

My Hero

2008-10-11T10:33:00.000-07:00

A "non-ument" to the dumpster who is unconditionally and incessantly burdened with our waste, allowing our disposable lifestyles to continue with ease and comfort.

Ink-jet print
24” x 18”
October 2008

Tea Quilt

2008-10-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

Department Store exhibition
Sullivan Galleries
Chicago, IL

Used tea bags
4' x 3'
October 2008

Tea Dome

2008-10-11T09:15:00.000-07:00

Inspired by the Antoni Gaudi sand bag model at La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.

Installation at Robin Richman
Best and Worst of Chicago exhibit
Chicago, IL

Used tea bags, cotton string
10' x 2'
October 2008

Tea Calendar

2008-01-11T09:08:00.000-08:00

Used tea bags
12” x 12”
January 2008

Tea Quilt

2007-09-09T20:48:00.000-07:00

Used tea bags
18” x 10”
September 2007