Eri Simulation – Failure to Compute emerged through an experimental process of capturing natural Eri silk fibers through digital formats. By transforming digital imagery back into something handmade, Donen creates an undeniable connection between technology and nature.
Eri Explorations, Invitational Show, The Silk Weaving Studio,, Vancouver, BC, 2024
The phrase “art imitates nature”, re-worded to “machine imitates nature”, was chosen as a starting point of inspiration for Donen. Her process began with collaging digital photographs and distorted scans of Eri silk yarn which were used to create a cross-stitch pattern.
“Eri Simulation” is a reference to the imitation of Eri silk using cotton thread. Cotton fails to mimic or compute nature’s true beauty. What emerges through this failure is something new, hybrid, in between, unique and beautiful in its own right; computerized and handmade all at once.
