Devin River, Hive, 2025 Reclaimed, dyed, and commercial fabrics, batting, thread, 116 x 94 x .5 in

Devin River's practice transforms discarded and secondhand materials into works that affirm dignity, value, and presence. Working primarily with scavenged textiles, loose threads, and reclaimed fabric, River reclaims what is often overlooked or discarded, responding to a world in which excess production leads to waste. Through labor-intensive processes of cutting, sewing, and recomposition, these materials are elevated into intricate textile works that emphasize care, attention, and renewal.

River describes this practice as an antidote to internalized worthlessness shaped by systems of environmental, economic, and colonial harm. By transforming discarded materials, the work asserts the inherent value of both material and self, inviting viewers to recognize their own worth.

The studio practice moves between two modes: precise, patterned constructions that provide structure and calm, and more improvisational processes that embrace unpredictability. This tension creates a dynamic rhythm between control and spontaneity.

In the series The Bugs, River reworks traditional starburst quilt motifs, fragmenting and reassembling them into new visual forms using reclaimed textiles, sometimes hand-dyed, often sourced from free piles or donated materials.