Bounkhong Signavong

My jackets, kimonos, shirts, shawls, and scarves are one-of-a-kind, or limited edition, works of art, all hand-made with naturally dyed silks and cottons. My motifs spring from the spiritual power of Buddhism. I put particular effort into creating textiles with multiple shades of indigo, from plants and other natural sources, designed for formal and every-day wear. I was born and raised in Vientiane, Laos, a country known for its ancient textile traditions. Weaving textiles is an integral part of my own family life. I took an early and special interest in designing and crafting cloths. I was able to open a gallery and present my collection in a hotel in Vientiane, while working for UNICEF during the day. A couple from the US visited my gallery in the late 1990s and encouraged me to present my work in the United States. My work was met with such interest that I've settled here and now work out of my studio in New Jersey.

My jackets, kimonos, shirts, shawls, and scarves are one-of-a-kind, or limited edition, works of art, all hand-made with naturally dyed silks and cottons. My motifs spring from the spiritual power of Buddhism. I put particular effort into creating textiles with multiple shades of indigo, from plants and other natural sources, designed for formal and every-day wear. I was born and raised in Vientiane, Laos, a country known for its ancient textile traditions. Weaving textiles is an integral part of my own family life. I took an early and special interest in designing and crafting cloths. I was able to open a gallery and present my collection in a hotel in Vientiane, while working for UNICEF during the day. A couple from the US visited my gallery in the late 1990s and encouraged me to present my work in the United States. My work was met with such interest that I've settled here and now work out of my studio in New Jersey.

"My artwork consists of one-of-a-kind textiles, made from naturally dyed silk and cotton and hand-woven on a traditional loom. The ensuing fabrics are used to create scarves, shawls and other accessories for him and her, and also shirts, jackets and coats, each produced with special attention to the detail. "Recently, I have put particular effort in creating textiles in multiple shades of indigo, all naturally dyed using plants and other native sources. Traditional patterns have been artfully integrated into uniquely designed formal and every-day wear, and accessories. My understanding of art-to-wear is creating a unique contemporary style different from commercialized fashion." Bounkhong receives design inspiration from all his surroundings. Nature plays a significant role, be it a landscape or the bark of a tree, the fine linings of its leaves, or a dragonfly resting on a blossom. He is also inspired by his experiences as a world traveler. One trip took him as far as South Africa, where he visited Pretoria, Johannesburg and Cape Town. He returns from each trip full of energy and inspiration to realize something new in his work.