Garment Pattern Series: Abstract Expressionism

Oil paintings with paper collage and textile-sewn canvases.

"Es draws from [their] childhood experiences expressing notions of survival, healing, renewal, continuation, and self-actualization. [Their] work often delves deeply into the years [they've] worked alongside [their] father in the garment district of downtown Los Angeles. Laboring as a child in sweatshop like conditions, [they have] painstakingly cut clothing patterns. These abstracted shapes of shirtsleeves, pockets, and pant legs are seen throughout [their] work. They illuminate the working class struggle and the immigrant dream of rags to riches, reminding Angelenos that the sweatshop experience has left a dark stain on the fabric of our city."

- Anne Hromodka, Independent Curator

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"Ayin's (originally Carol's) practice is distinguished not only by a particular care and thoughtfulness to the materials and approaches [they] employ, but also, and perhaps more significantly, by a contemplative approach to of [their] unique position as an observer in the world...

"...[Their] work often employs elements that are unapologetically autobiographical, but imbued with a spirit that has universal appeal."

- Mark Steven Greenfield, Artist and Educator


Artist's Statement: <-click here!

This series began as a psychological experiment when I turned my garage into the workplace of my youth, replicating the cutting room where I worked along side my father. It was complete with a steel cutting table and rolls of manila pattern paper. I used the exact same hand tools to create master patterns--just as though they were going out for manufacturing. I wanted to see if this process would be therapeutic, cathartic, or lend itself to interesting artwork. These paintings incorporate paper garment patterns, thread, fabric, pins and other media from the apparel industry.