About Miki and the Work

A 'News Note': I currently have a torn rotator cuff which is making weaving impossible probably until the end of 2008. As a result, I am doing more exploring with marbling and silk painting.

Weaving

I began weaving in 1976. While working on my Masters of Fine Arts from Boston University in Costuming for the Stage I became more and more interested in the cloth I was working with every day, how it was woven, dyed and designed. Self-taught as a weaver, my early work concentrated on textiles that are used and touched in every day life - scarves, table linens, clothing and rugs. I also did weaving for church and synagogue. Weaving satisfies both the desire for creative expression and the more logical and mechanical turn of mind. The different kinds of weaving I do address different aspects of the craft of weaving for me.

In most weaving, once the thread is on the loom – the major part of the design aspect is done. I wanted the actual act of weaving to be part of the design process – like a painter with a brush. I began doing my woven wall pieces with this in mind. I am also becoming more interested in loom controlled textured weaves. My ripple scarves are one example. I am sure that I will be combining textured weaves and dye work before too long.

Marbling

I began marbling occasionally in 2000 but had the opportunity to study with Elin Noble in 2007. This experience set me off in quest of color on paper as well as textiles. Since my shoulder injury has interrupted my weaving, I am taking the opportunity to explore and experiment in this technique. I enjoy working with paper and exploring the possiblity of controlling the marbling colors to a certain degree to produce representative pieces. As with the dye work in my weaving, it is the combination of controling the process and responding to the surprises in the process that I enjoy.

At present I have a full time job with Nantucket.net as their web writer and my color experimentation is done 'on the side'. I hope to to eventually be doing more of my artwork and less computer work.

I have received recognition from the Boston Weavers' Guild and the New England Weavers' Seminar. My work has appeared in 'Cape Cod Life Art Edition 2008', 'Handwoven Magazine' and 'The Weavers' Journal'. My pieces have been shown at the Artists Association of Nantucket, Arts Council of Nantucket, Nantucket Looms on Nantucket and the Old Town Artisans Gallery and The Pink Adobe Gallery in Tucson, Arizona and The Artisans' Tree in Scituate, Massachusetts.

Currently my pieces can be seen at the Artist Association of Nantucket, and during the annual Nantucket Arts Week as well as at artisans' fairs throughout the year. In addition, my studio/gallery (and apartment) is part of the Arts & Artisans Trails of Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard & Nantucket and is open Thursday and Friday afternoons from 1 - 5 pm or by appointment.