Kris Edward
Carnival of Masks presents Charlevoix, Michigan based historical textile artist, Kris Edward Daman, as part of our Beyond the Carnival: Interviews with Costume Folks Around the World series.
“Twined bag. A strand of yarn is twisted over suspended horizontal warps with a fingerwoven and beaded strap. Fingerweaving is an ancient loomless weaving technique.”
CoM: Kris Edward Daman, tell us about what you do.
KED: I’m a historic textile artist & organic hide tanner. I recreate historic accessories and post online about how to make it.
CoM: What inspires you?
KED: Historical research and figuring our how an object was made. Then recreating it using the same materials and techniques. Helping people with their historical research. A PhD student who is researching Inuit art at the Musee du Quai Branly reached out to me because I was the only person creating in modern times the artifacts she was studying from a century ago.
CoM: How did your life in costumes begin??
KED: By following my love of history, family cultural traditions, & anthropology.
“Front and back of a beaded bag I made for my girlfriend. She had 3 sons, one has passed on, and they are represented by the Thunderbirds. The 2 sons had 3 daughters and they are represented by the 3 girls on the pink side...” (continued below the next picture)
CoM: Are there costumed events you make sure to never miss? And if so, what do you love about them?
KED: I used to go to historical reenactments and work at historical museums. I'm immunosuppressed because of an autoimmune disease I have, so I avoid large crowds now.
CoM: What's your favorite thing about costumes?
KED: All of the different variations of clothing and how they reflect society. I also enjoy 20th century clothing.
CoM: Anything else you’d like to share with us?
KED: I love how the interest in historical clothing in the US and Europe is causing a renewed interest in how historical textiles were made, new young craftspeople, and a rebirth of historical fabrics. Ireland is working very hard to bring back its Irish linen industry.
“The bag is made the old way. Yarn is suspended over a horizontal warp and the beadwork is created upside down. This style of bag dates to the mid 1800s to the early 1900s and was primarily created by the Mesquakie people in Iowa.”
CoM: Who are some cosplayers you love in the costume world?
KED: Eric Daman, my brother. Neal Hurst of Colonial Williamsburg. Also, Max Alexander, Adam Savage, Bernadette Banner.
CoM: Thanks so much, Kris Edward Daman!
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