I explore the nature that immediately surrounds my home in Portland, Oregon, particularly the resilient plants and animals that thrive despite the environmental challenges they face. Dooryard weeds, backyard pests and native botanicals are frequent subjects. I also use my practice to dig deeper in understanding my family roots and reconnect with my Slavic and Italian heritage.
At the heart of my studio practice is the creation of tactile and textured fabric art using fast fashion denim jeans, clothing and other textiles no longer suitable for their original use.
I intentionally use the slow process of hand sewn fabric collage, sculpture and embroidery to infuse the materials with greater meaning, a process that often contrasts with its mass produced origin. Reclaiming and elevating these materials is a creative challenge that continues to inspire me to find the extraordinary hidden within the everyday.
Hi! I'm Julie Flusche, a reuse artist and advocate for sustainability in the craft community and beyond. My work focuses on reclaiming textile waste to transform it back into something beautiful and inspiring.