In the world of art, creativity knows no bounds, and artist Amy Firestone Rosen’s latest exhibition, “Rethinking the Party Dress,” is a testament to the limitless possibilities of artistic expression. As you explore the captivating artwork currently on display at The Foundry Art Centre, you’ll find that this collection is more than just a visual experience; it’s a journey through the eyes of a child and a reflection of the artist’s lifelong passion for art and reinvention.
Amy Firestone Rosen’s artistic journey began in childhood, where she first discovered her love for art through the creation of paper dolls. “Art has been with me forever,” she shared. “When I was little, I’d make my own paper dolls. So, as an adult, when I got the idea to rethink the classic party dress, it was like working with life-size dolls.”
Growing up in the Congregation Temple Israel community, Firestone Rosen eagerly sought out art classes and opportunities to nurture her artistic talent. Her artistic pursuits eventually led her to the University of Kansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communications. With a degree in hand, she embarked on a successful career as a graphic designer.
However, Firestone Rosen’s artistic journey took an exciting turn when her curiosity led her to explore printmaking. “My style kept changing, and I like to reuse things. I started painting on old ceiling tiles and even sold a few. One of the women I sold to mentioned something about printmaking, and that sounded like something I needed to look into,” she explained.
After two decades in graphic design, Firestone Rosen embraced her newfound passion for printmaking. Her artistic process involved combining monoprints (creating one-off prints) with collage techniques on layered, fibrous surfaces. The result? Artwork characterized by intricate patterns, textures, and a spectrum of styles ranging from purely non-objective compositions to the representation of figures and dresses.
As Firestone Rosen delved deeper into her artistry, her muses evolved. Similar to the paper dolls of her childhood, she found herself drawn to themes of women’s fantasies and fashion. “When I did a series on paper dolls, I thought I had to stay small. But then I spotted party dresses at Goodwill, and I kept going. It’s my new muse,” she shared.
The heart of her artistic concept revolves around creating prints from upcycled clothing. Scouring second-hand stores and thrift shops became an essential part of her creative process. She searched for captivating textural patterns found in garments that could be translated into striking figurative images. It’s worth noting that the party dresses featured in her artwork serve as printing plates and are never meant to be worn.
Firestone Rosen’s printing process involves using an old manual-cranked printing press. She inks up the garment, places it on the press, lays damp print-making paper on top, and blankets protect the press. Through this meticulous process, she transforms entire garments, leaving only their textural imprint and the memories they hold. The dresses may not survive the printing press, but they are granted a second life as beautiful works of art.
“I transform the garment. It was one thing in its first life, and now it’s something new. That’s what my art is saying. I gave it a second life,” Firestone Rosen eloquently explained.
You have the opportunity to witness Amy Firestone Rosen’s remarkable artwork in her exhibition, “Rethinking the Party Dress,” which is on display at The Foundry Art Centre in St. Charles until September 23rd. This collection is a testament to the boundless creativity that art offers, as it breathes new life into vintage dresses and invites viewers to embark on a journey through the eyes of a child, where imagination knows no limits.
