Actually, it began with sewing, specifically, a school home economics class that entailed using a sewing machine. Alana Tibbets found her passion. “I learned how to sew really young and I LOVE making clothes.” With time, she realized two things. First, she admitted, “There are only so many things you can make.” Second, it became increasingly hard to find student-priced high quality fabrics. She turned to quilting, a craft she continues to this day.
Meanwhile, she pursued science, earning a PhD in evolutionary genetics—studying the native species of her home states, Arizona and New Mexico. “People think it’s all sand, cactus, and snakes but it has areas with some of the highest biodiversity in the world.” So how does a science professor who loves biology and clothing design marry the two? In an evolutionary way, of course.
It began at a Farmer’s Market. She made “floppy mannequin” cloth dolls for the sole purpose of clothing them. Having no interest in facial expressions, she left the eyes, nose, and mouth off—and people found the dolls “off-putting.” Moreover, the clothing needed a dramatic background, so she started using black body fabric. For her, it was all about the clothing; but for potential customers, it was about human relatedness.
Then, finally, came the evolutionary a-ha moment. She wed her biological knowledge, her passion for the southwest, and her talent as a seamstress and created cloth creatures, realistically embodying the birds, mammals, and reptiles she had grown up with in New Mexico. “I try to get the textures and colors right,” Alana explains. “I want to make them honest and truthful—not cute. I am trying to replicate reality.”
So unusual, so unique, so beautiful in their own way, her creations join the animal world with the human world—the little known and too-well known. They definitely have faces but not cute ones, realistic ones with names like coatimundi. The adopting buyer receives information and often, sadly, the species is becoming endangered. The mastery of her art now satisfies her. “Even five years ago, if I made ten dolls, five would be okay,” she admits. “Today I am happy with all ten.”
These fascinating hand-crafted unique species will be on display in the Gallery from September 12th through the first week in October. An Open House will be held on Saturday, September 12 from 1:00 until 5:30. Meet Alana in person or join us for Facebook live conversations throughout the afternoon.
You can learn more about Alana's work by visiting her website http://www.agosiaarts.com
