"What do Costume Design, Shibori and Wearable Art have in common?
In 1986, while researching ideas for the costume design of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer
Nights Dream, I came across a book on the robes and kimonos of Itchiku Kubota. I began research into the techniques of shibori. I incorporated some of the techniques into the fabric designs for that production
and I was hooked. The ability to create expressive pieces of cloth that I used in several theatrical pieces finally led to
my desire to create clothing. A chance meeting and eventually working with fashion
designer Zandra Rhodes urged me forward.
Shibori is both ancient and modern. We will take
a quick look at its history, its modern interpretation by various artists and its variety of expression. It creates both visual and tactile texture, making it an exciting means of communication in theatre and
for expressive pieces wearable art.”
Doshi’s work in fiber arts reflects the constant changes she experiences in her personal
and spiritual life. She uses her work to explore the forces of nature and the
mysteries of the soul. Unraveling the cloth to reveal the beautiful things that
happen when dye enters the cloth is akin to her experience of discovering herself. Color
- the choosing and mixing of dyes - has become an important and defining part of her process. Rather than planning her color palettes, she works from instinct and intuition, allowing the colors and
combinations to spring out of the process rather than imposing any one idea or schemata on each project. As she explores new
possibilities in her work she has found an essential expression of her spirit and soul.
The soft edges, shapes and shadows left in the fabric, the colors that resonate with the essence of the life experience,
the textures that reflect the dynamism and sensuality of life’s richness all create dynamic, graceful and evocative
statements that inspire me to create personal and expressive pieces of wearable art and textiles.
For thirty years Doshi has designed Costumes for Theater, Dance, Ice-Skating, Stunt Shows
and TV. She has received numerous honors and awards in design including a Themed
Entertainment Award for excellence in costume design for Waterworld at Universal Studios Hollywood. Dyeing, discharging
color and manipulating fabric surfaces has always been an integral part of her design work.
For the last twelve years Doshi has pursued fiber arts independently from Theater and Costume design. Her work is exhibited in galleries throughout the United States and Europe, with a recent group exhibition
at the Mingei International Museum, San Diego and shows at Atelier Designers in New York.
Doshi is also a professor of Costume Design at California State University, Long Beach.
She supervises and teaches costume design, patterning, crafts and dyeing.
Doshi’s
website: www.doshifiberart.com
