Set by the Creek

This print was originally created for YNST Magazine’s New Traditions show at the Wheeling Artisan Center in 2024.

So many of my Appalachian friends and family members have had these plastic lawn chairs, almost always stuck out in the yard or down by the creek. They're out there collecting a layer of mildew, acorns, and sticks, but can be ready with a quick brush-off to facilitate a sit down with a friend or a cousin. They're a symbol to me of hospitality and community care. Sycamore and knotweed - two scrappy, resilient creekbank staples - frame the conversation space.

The cotton canvas is eco-printed with sycamore, black locust, tulip poplar, and Japanese knotweed leaves. These plants aren’t particularly known for their strong dye capabilities - many leaves will create a print, but most will change and fade over time. The chairs are screen printed with water-based acrylic ink - the only component that isn’t biodegradable (just like plastic chairs).