Gabriela Rochin

Threading a Dream #1 

2020

Gabriela Rochin / Marilu Reyes

In my dream, I am sitting on a couch with my dog Cali. From behind a curtain, unannounced, a black cat streaked with royal blue stripes appears. I have never liked cats, but I let Cali play with it. The room darkens as it opens its mouth. I am scared but I do nothing to prevent it from swallowing Cali. It feels like I am giving up or surrendering to what is inevitable.

After that dream, I read more about the symbolism of cats, and specifically black cats. What I learned resonated with me. So instead of rejecting the cat, I wanted to be it. I want to be more patient (wait for the right moment to act), independent, courageous, and curious about exploring the unknown and the unconscious. I have embarked on a journey of self-discovery in “cat mode.”

As I workshopped the dream with the women from WSLA, I decided to design a sweater with the help of knitters from Stitching Borders. I wore the sweater and photographed myself portraying the mysterious cat along- side my dog Cali.