Afraid of the unfamiliarity and discomfort of authenticity, we often overlook it and so fail to let our curiosity discover the value beneath.

This theme is present in how we view oyster shells: the pearly interior easily provokes interest, yet we rarely explore the shell’s surface - valuable for aquatic landscapes and honest in exhibiting its own history through clusters of parasites and algae. I seek to value oysters’ intricate authenticity through curiosity rather than succumbing to discomfort.

An oyster shell rug invites you to explore its landscape of honest yet unexpected textures through curiosity, immersing you in this lesser-known narrative told through voiceover and touch. Participants experience the installation by lying on the rug while listening to a meditative audio through headphones. Engaging in the rug’s authentic strangeness, participants are encouraged to reflect on those qualities within.

Exploring unexpected ways to express oyster shell textures, I used tufting to create a sense of both rough unevenness and softness. The visual of the rug attracts touch, yet playing with textile hardener I created rock-like textures that add a further layer of discovery.