Patricia Michaels at Peabody Essex Museum, Continued

On November 21, I had the pleasure of attending “Native Fashion Now“ at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Massachusetts. 

If you are a “Project Runway” fan, a show of this title might bring to mind Season 11 designer Patricia Michaels, and rightly so, because Patricia’s designs open the show! The show opens with beautiful parasols, which are suspended from the ceiling, framing a dress. Each parasol is made from fabric that Patricia hand-dyed and wrapped around wire frames. The video playing in the background is of the Palm Desert show that Patricia participated in upon the invitation of Michael Costello of PR Season 8. The display is breathtaking and is a fitting opening to the show.  

You might remember the dress Patricia created for the first challenge of Season 11. Her treatment of the fabric was amazing. She created a textile by painting shaded rectangles Some of the corners where cut out to reveal a royal blue silk underlay. Patricia’s innovative use of textiles and designs earned her 2nd place in Season 11.  

Pat Pruitt, Jamie Okuna, Karen Kramer, PEM's curator of Native American Art and Culture, Patricia Michaels

A panel discussion was held the opening day of the show. It featured Native American artists Pat Pruitt, who makes jewelry, and Jamie Okuna, who does beadwork. During the talk, Patricia offered advice for artists. Firstly she says to be confident in your gifts and be proud of who you are. For those who are inspired by Native American culture, it’s important not to just duplicate what others have done. It is the responsibility of the artist to go on a journey to find their inspirations and live with them. 

Beaded Boots by Jamie Okuna

 She also says artists must be respective of other cultures and to find out the roots of their inspiration. Artists should ask permission before using cultural motifs. Even Native Americans should seek permission because not all elements of their culture should be exposed to others. Patricia is artist who believes in integrity, collaboration and creating from the heart. She takes risks in her artwork and believes this is what feeds your artistic soul! These qualities were evident in her work and how she carried herself on “Project Runway”. 

Dress, headpiece and cape by Orlando Dugi

 Patricia continues to create art and shine a light on the Native American experience. She is featured in the documentary, “A Thousand Voices,"  in which women from New Mexico share their experiences in their native culture and as Americans. Patricia and her son are working on a documentary as well. Look for that in about a year or so. Patricia plans to show at New York Fashion Week next February! For more information, feel free to contact Patricia via her website: http://www.patriciamichaelsfashion.com/contact.html . 

Native Fashion Now will be at the Peabody Essex Museum through March 6, 2016. If you are in the Boston area, be sure to see the show. 
 

Totem Pole dress by Isaac Mizrahi

There is also a piece designed by “Project Runway All-Stars” judge Isaac Mizrahi! 

 More information on "Native Fashion Now" can be found at http://www.pem.org. 

I enjoyed talking with Patricia. I left feeling inspired and ready to take on my own artistic endeavors. Thank you so much, Patricia, for spending time with me and for sharing your art!