On March 15 @reubentelushkin completed their residency with us.

Reuben spent his time using his digital media imagery, sublimating to fabric, mixing in solid cotton-based fabrics, exploring bitmap manipulation and translating imagery to laser woodblocks. We were happy to see our @brother_sewing_machines getting some good use, as both fabric and paper was utilized.

“The current body of work I’m developing explores the materiality of digital culture through the construction of kinetic sculptures that scroll tapestries or looped textiles in a circular reel. The machine that conveys the textiles is its own sculpture, and the textiles that are loaded into the machine and animated are their own object, analogous to the relationship between a cassette player and a cassette tape. The opportunity to create a large amount of sublimated fabric and heat press interfacing onto all of it will save me so much prep time in the months to come. I oscillate through phases of fabricating the machines and constructing the textiles. I have numerous shows throughout the rest of the year that I now have the raw material to get straight to sewing, instead of spending hours transferring images and applying interfacing with a handheld iron. I not only got a lot done during my residency, but what I learned at the residency will change how I work back in Detroit, making me faster and more efficient. In just two weeks, I’ve generated enough imaged and interfaced fabric to create works for several upcoming shows.”

Watch Rueben’s virtual artist talk here.

“This is a special program that cultivates a sense of relationship that goes beyond the two weeks spent there. I made connections with Alfred staff, faculty, and the student body that feel like they will continue to be generative. I learned techniques that will benefit my practice beyond my two weeks there.”

Reuben using the Expanded Media printmaking facilities (Offset Press), rolling up a laser-engraved woodblock based on one of his digitally rendered photographs.

Oil-based ink setup. Figuring out color gradient locations.

Reuben using the Expanded Media Epilogue Engraver to cut through canvas and digitally sublimated materials.

Patchwork – using the iea Brother sewing machine to incorporate cotton fabrics mixed with digitally sublimated imagery on polyester.