My studio is located in my apartment
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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 wall pieces with this in mind.
The Process:
- First I measure the thread for the project, whether a piece of art or a scarf or stole, and anchor both ends of the warp firmly.
- The threads are then painted with fiber reactive dyes. Though there may be an overall plan I like to keep this part fairly loose with one or two strong elements.
- After the dyes have set, I warp the threads onto the loom and proceed with the weaving. This is where the dialog really begins in earnest.
- In my wall pieces I try to weave slowly and deliberately choosing what colors and structures go in each area. Sometimes I lay in several layers of thread or interlock threads of different colors, etc. The piece can go anywhere at this point. Here is where I find that I need to lay aside any plans I may have had and start listening to the demands of each piece.
- In my wearable art, I like to let the movement and blending of the colors that occurred during the dye process come through by using a weft (crosswise) thread that compliments or enhances the colors.
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.
I am also exploring marbling on both fabric and paper and will posting available pieces as they are completed.
At present I have a full time job with Nantucket.net as their web writer and my weaving is done 'on the side'. My current apartment is actually provided by my employer. I hope to to eventually be doing more weaving and less computer work.
I have received recognition from the Boston Weavers' Guild and the New England Weavers' Seminar. My work has appeared in 'Handwoven Magazine' and 'The Weavers' Journal'. My pieces have been shown in 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, Nantucket Looms at and in the annual exhibit during 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.
