Artist: Rashidah Salam
Title: Dream Catcher
Medium: Alpaca yarns, parchments paper, coconut shell beads, wires, 15x magnification mirror on crescent moon steel structure
Date: 2025
Dimensions: 36 inches diameter
Description:
The Dream Catcher sculpture coincidentally looked similar to the dream catchers by the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people. Their dream catchers are believed to filter out negative dreams and energies while allowing positive ones to pass through to the dreamer.
In my the Dream catcher, the hoop and the crescent moon steel structure are the fundamental component of the dream catcher representing the circle of life. The hoop is made as a continuous cycle without a definitive beginning or end. The hoops, representing the universe and the circle of life. The hoops were intertwined and raised on an angle signifying the endless unity and the interconnectedness of all beings. The olive leaves attached to the hoops of the dream catcher serve as a gentle ladder for the continuous hope.
The magnolia flowers petals on the rim of the dream catcher were embossed and filled up with the batting materials for an interesting puffy and cushy effects to the softer touch. These flowers petals were stenciled using a homemade cut out patterns stencils of the Ashoka flowers motifs and the tiger lily flowers.
The webs patterned by hand using Alpaca wool yarns drawing using the Ashoka flowers and tiger lilies patterns flowers covered partial of the flowers. The 5x magnification mirror woven into the web allows one looking self. These elements combined create a powerful symbol of protection, connection and hope.
The mobile coconut shells beads were placed in the pockets of the center of the two flowers. The coconut shells beads represent my childhood dreams where I grew up. Plant your dreams and the dreams will come true.
The dream catcher is to symbolize a renewal, the new beginning.
Instagram: @rashidahsalam_creatives
