Pandemic Projects: Jacki Moseley

May 24, 2021

2020 Hindsight: Breathe is a series of 52 unique masks representing the 52 weeks in 2020 and symbolizing humanity. During the most chaotic year of most our lives many of the things going on around us were out of our control. If we were lucky, we “learned” to BREATHE.

Jacki Moseley 2020 Hindsight: Breathe 2021, Joomchi (paper felting), mulberry paper, silk, hemp, beads, 80″ x 75”.

I am a fiber artist who began sewing cloth masks at the start of the pandemic for the protection of my friends, family and community. As 2020 became more tumultuous politically, environmentally and existentially, I realized the importance of really breathing for both my physical and emotional health. As 2020 progressed I felt a need to make an art piece that represented this time in our history. Since I make 2D & 3D fiber art out of felted paper, the idea of creating an art piece of paper masks out seemed natural. 

Jacki Moseley 2020 Hindsight: Breathe (detail) 2021, Joomchi (paper felting), mulberry paper, silk, hemp, beads, 80″ x 75”.

While I worked on this project I reflected on the different ways people were struggling, but, how we were truly in the chaos together. These reflections and the repetition of my work helped to lower my stress level. The project centered me emotionally and it reminded me to be more accepting of others. While working I considered some of the things humans all over the world were experiencing, our different ways of coping and, the importance of coming together in this difficult time. 

Jacki Moseley 2020 Hindsight: Breathe (detail) 2021, Joomchi (paper felting), mulberry paper, silk, hemp, beads, 80″ x 75”.

The masks represented in 2020 Hindsight: Breathe were made from layers of mulberry paper that were felted together using a technique called Joomchi. Joomchi is a contemporary form of an ancient Korean technique of paper making. Layers of mulberry paper were “felted” together using water and manipulation to create a new strong, highly texturized paper that has qualities similar to cloth and/or leather. Other materials (silk, hemp, beads, and other papers) are added during and/or after the felting process for interest and embellishment. The “new” Joomchi paper was then cut and machine sewn to replicate protective masks worn during the Covid-19 pandemic which began in 2020.

Jacki Moseley 2020 Hindsight: Breathe (detail) 2021, Joomchi (paper felting), mulberry paper, silk, hemp, beads, 80″ x 75”.

The masks represent protection of both the individual and the collective, worn for ourselves, as well as for our communities. Each mask is unique and represents us as individuals: our ethnic and racial backgrounds; individual histories; talents/gifts; wounds; flaws; thoughts; feelings; and, beliefs.The masks are attached to each other and displayed in a group to represent our relationships.

Jacki Moseley 2020 Hindsight: Breathe (detail) 2021, Joomchi (paper felting), mulberry paper, silk, hemp, beads, 80″ x 75”.

2020 Hindsight: Breathe reminds us to slow down, reflect and breathe for our physical, emotional and mental well-being as well as that of others.

Jacki Moseley | moseleyfelting.com

Jacki Moseley 2020 Hindsight: Breathe (detail) 2021, Joomchi (paper felting), mulberry paper, silk, hemp, beads, 80″ x 75”.

Do you have a pandemic project to share with SDA? Check out our Blog Article Submission Form to let us know!

We know that this past year has been very trying and traumatic for so many people around the world. While we want to spotlight the work our members have been doing throughout the year, I (Lauren Sinner, SDA Managing Editor) wanted to take a second to say that it’s also ok if you haven’t been making work. The pandemic is not an artist residency, and you shouldn’t be expected to make great work during this time. There’s so much to process and deal with and it never seems to end, so please remember to take care of yourself, both mentally and physically.