Process & Inspiration

Process and Inspiration

I love the rhythm and sound of weaving and stitching. Making my own cloth feels right, and the challenge of re-creating moments in nature with fabrics is endlessly fascinating for me. When I weave, usually I start out with plain linens, silks, or paper yarns, in their natural color (beige, ivory, grey). Using mostly plain weave and sometimes simple tapestry techniques, I explore variations of textures, densities, and transparencies with different yarn types. Combining the materials in these ways allows me to create my own canvas essentially, for further exploration with dyes and layering.

Dye processes include shibori, batik, and occasionally ikat resists, direct painting, gradation dyeing, and color removal. After dyeing, I layer other fabrics either underneath the weaving, on top, or both. There is no one same approach; each piece is different. I manipulate the surface sometimes by sewing tucks, or
distressing the fabrics by ripping out either weft or warp yarns. These same approaches are used with the fabrics I work with that I have not handwoven.

Hand stitching is often (but not always!) the last part of the process, creating additional texture and marks. While they may not be obvious from a distance, they are important aspects of the work to me. Whether I'm working with my handwoven cloth, fabrics I've bought, or my mixed media works (which combine acrylic paint, dyed fabrics, and stitching), the approach to the work is the same basically...my process is painterly, intuitive, and slow.

Weaving and stitching are very calming for me. I usually work on several pieces at one time, all in different stages. A lot of time is spent contemplating the pieces at each step to decide what's next. It's an important part of my process–this passive activity of quiet consideration.

With landscape and the natural world as my inspiration, occasionally I do have specific places in mind when I work on a piece. Other times, I simply begin and see where the piece leads me. I sketch, sometimes just for general thoughts on composition or proportion. Photos taken while I'm out in nature are also a good reference or starting point. When I work larger, I need to plan the piece because they are woven in sections (this is due to the size of my loom). I often wonder if the qualities of imbued memory, feelings, and fleeting thoughts are embedded into the artwork, but don't know for sure.

I like to think somewhere in my ancestry there were many weavers and stitchers, and I'm just continuing the old traditions in a new way. It continues to be a great gift and a challenge to figure out how best to share my artwork with others. It's a gratifying experience getting my work ‘out there’ in the world, to hear people’s impressions; and I feel very fortunate that many people have connected to my work on a deep, personal level–some welcoming my art into their homes and lives.

If you’d like to share your thoughts, impressions, or feedback, I’d love to hear it! Just click the button below and Thank you for reading!

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