ARTIstry in Textiles
I was raised on a northern New Mexico sheep ranch, and the vivid memories of those days continue to influence the creation of my weaving. Always remembering the land, the animals, the plants where the fibers originate, I have a keen awareness of the many human hands which process the yarns I now hold in my own hands, and I am forever grateful for these ancient traditions.
Holding strands of nettle, wool or silk, unformed and without structure, I feel an obligation to allow the fiber its own journey through the weaving process. Each piece begins only with my intention for its design and then I simply observe where the fiber takes me….my job being only to guide it through the loom to its final form. Fiber does not obey or conform. It has a mind of its own and I am forever fascinated by the personalities of textiles, which are connectors and always bring me home.
As a fiber artist, I am committed to preserving the traditions and health of the fiber industry. Whenever possible, I use organic, sustainable and humanely sourced fibers. I am, likewise, committed to purchasing from small local ranchers/producers and from organizations providing training and income streams to disadvantaged populations. A percentage of all sales of my work are returned as donations to these efforts…just to keep the threads connected.
Some days in the studio are more fun than should be legal. This bit of unfinished whimsy is awaiting block stamping. (Stamps currently being carved by my new friend and wonderful printmaker/illustrator katebalmos.bigcartel.com.) It will then be finished with a top layer weaving… all part of the Above and Below series.
Winter solstice…. Peace.
Blue Mist and Butterflies in December. I will now stop moaning about crazy Texas weather and simply enjoy this day.
One more weaving from the recent past… a challenging design process but so dang much fun! It now lives in Round Top… which seems so right!
Honored to have a weaving included in the new Wimberley Valley Art League exhibit, along with my bud Ro Fainstein and another of her knockout paintings. Support local artists!
Just got my new issue of Fiber Arts now, so excited to see my FB/IG friend Janet Jaffke @janetjaffke featured in the Excellence awards! Great job Janet. You are such an inspiration.
Long day on the road, but now cozied up in our Denton hotel and being treated to pretty cool sunset. Colder than all giddy up here in Texas but we’re safe happy and wishing the same to all our peeps!
3rd in Breath in Color series, “ Chartreuse Throws a Tantrum” 13 x 21, woven wool, Japanese paper yarn, hemp, surface design in silk, cotton.
“Mercury Leaves and Indigo” 2nd in the Breath in Color series. Hand dyed indigo wools, woven and surface designed with solar printed-photo-transferred aspen leaves. These journeys are never fully planned.
As our New Mexico journey comes to an end this week it’s time to recall many lovely moments of the past month… like this herd of wild horses that wandered into our yard this morning… along with a rainbow… you can’t plan this stuff
New batch of hemp & linen in my favorite Fall colors. Heading to Santa Fe for 3 weeks for some quiet mountain top/creekside weaving. Hear the aspens are turning similar shades…. Can. Not. Wait.
Early morning view of the Moon & Jupiter through the old oak tree. Another hopeful day on this big blue marble.
Had such a lovely evening at the opening reception for Botanicals in Warp and Weft exhibit in Ft Worth. Was honored to be in such great company with so many talented Texas weavers …Fiber art is real art!!!!
This hot mess is the 1st journey with my new gorgeous twinning loom (#dewberryridgelooms) Traditionally these looms are for making rag rugs, but now I’ll be twinning with natural fibers (jute, linen, etc) and see what magic happens when pushing the boundaries of tradition! New adventures = creative joy.
Detail of Water Roots from the new woven linen + surface stitching series, 18 x 27, raw linen, hemp, silk. Staying quiet & still during these long summer days.
More woven linen + surface stitching. One Single Root, 18 x 27, raw linen, hemp, silk
This Tree Under The Blood Moon, 18 x 27, raw linen, hemp, silk. 3rd in the Roots series. Surface stitching madness!
Simplicity in color and form. Turquoise Trail, 18 x 31 organic cotton, silk. Surface stitching is my current focus and joy.
Paper, Bone, Copper series, 18x29, woven bamboo paper, hemp, linen, silk… and a shout out to my new friend/master wood carver Victor Summers for making these gorgeous hangers. Welcoming collaboration in my new community!
Currently immersed in a Lorna Crane course and the first module included making paint brushes from only natural objects…. Bones, feathers, grasses… such a tactile + fun exercise! Will pass these along to my painter friends.
So honored to be showing my work at this pop up event! Los Olivos is a fabulous wine bar-bistro & well worth a visit! Hope to see some new Wimberley friends there June 15th!
Detail of Papier, 20 x20 weaving, jute, banana paper, hemp, cotton. Love these earthy textures
Detail of Papier, 20” x 20” weaving,… jute, banana paper, flax, cotton. Love these earthy textures.
3 small studies in weave and stitch