Loopz

Lift Gallery is showing Valencia Bullock's debut exhibition, Loopz. As a multidisciplinary artist who emphasizes storytelling through fabric construction, illustration, and styling, this show will feature Bullock's hand-made purses. The connection of art and functionality inspired her to start her own brand, VaDaBu. Bullock uses plush and yarn materials and transforms them with shapes, color, and abstract silhouettes to create wearable art.

Bullock's purses are examples of the creative spark that the spirit of fashion ignites in her. Each purse is unique and invites wearers to express their personal style. Bullock began crocheting purses for herself, making something new and fun to wear just a few days before attending an event. While out in the city, people would stop her and ask about the bags, which inspired her to start her own brand.

Bullock presents work that isn't just a fun fashion statement, but also reflects her own inner thoughts: "While I'm working, I'm thinking of parts of my life that want to be expressed. In crochet, a loop is formed when the beginning is connected to the end. It symbolizes the constant ebb and flow of life's path," says Bullock. "Each purse is purposely crafted with abstract shapes, asymmetry, and a wide range of colors to represent the expressive moments in my journey. Just as people may 'wear their heart on their sleeve,' you can wear an expression of your life on your shoulder." 

With titles like "Loop There It Is" and "Knot Today," Bullock approaches her work with humor and plenty of style. There will be around 30 bags in Bullock's show, and each is crafted from a carefully selected color of yarn. Having these bags on display in the Lift Gallery highlights their sculptural feel, reminding viewers that each one is truly a work of art. Loopz is a very special show featuring artwork that will remind viewers that art can be wearable, too.