Biography
In my current textile installation work, I strive to create large-scale allegorical narratives that utilize both analog and digital technology. I am interested in creating visual narratives that push the boundaries of identity in diverse living creatures and habitats. Much of my work evolves out of appropriation and transformation of historic and cultural iconography. Through color, scale and pattern, I strive to create a world of dualities depicting growth, beauty, loss and decay. I have drawn from 13th century Japanese woodblock prints depicting battles of samurai warriors, to 19th century Toile de Jouy hunting scenes illustrating latent violence. All my textile installation work is a synthesis of several methods of artistry, including hand painting, drawing, stitching, and laser cutting, and printing with large-format digital printing technology. I am fascinated by the dichotomies within the human condition and nature. I hope my digitally printed textile installations ignite deep spiritual forays into the imagination, and generate personal reflection on what is hidden, whether it be our own personal demons, or our lust for life.
Heather Ujiie is both an artist and designer, and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Visual Art from the State University of New Paltz, NY, Art Education Certification K-12 from Brooklyn College, and an Associates Degree in Textile Surface Design, from The Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She has over 15 years of experience as a textile designer, designing printed textiles for the high-end home furnishing market including Schumacher, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Stroheim & Romann, Kravet and Waverly in New York City. Her commercial printed textile designs have had numerous clients, including The White House private residences for President George W. Bush and Laura Bush, Washington D.C. She has also has extensive costume design experience for experimental theater and Dance in N.Y.C.
