Current Artwork

Geomorphology; 24" x 24"; thread and paper on industrial felt; 2009

Density; 24" x 24" thread and paper on industrial felt; 2009

Density (detail)

Felt - simple and complex

Calm I; 19.5" x 15"; thread on industrial felt; 2008

Carved and Twisted I (left); 20" x 15"; thread on unprocessed wool; 2008; Carved and Twisted II (right); 40" x 13"; thread on unprocessed wool; 2008

These images represent the journey of contrasting styles of my felt artwork. On one hand, I love the simple stitched lines and the resulting "spine" emulating a book. I also love the texture of folding, smashing, rolling then stitching of the second two pieces. On reflection, I think they both convey conceptually, one takes more time to process and the second two evoke a more immediate reaction.

Felt Artwork

Spine II; 42" x 18"; thread on unprocessed wool; 2008; and detail above

 

Postcard from MFA Solo Exhibition with detail of Spine II

Untitled; 35" x 15"; thread on industrial felt; 2008

More felt artwork from my MFA solo exhibition

Spine V; 10" x 9"; tea bag holders and thread on unprocessed wool; 2007

Calm V; 42" x 20"; thread on industrial felt; 2008

Calm III; 18" x 13"; thread on industrial felt; 2008

Encounters; 52" x 12"; thread on industrial felt; 2008

Felt Artwork and a bit of history

Spine III; 12" x 12", thread and tea bag holders on unprocessed wool; 2007

Spine IV; 26" x 18"; thread and tea bag holders on unprocessed wool; 2007 with detail above

Spine VIII; 38" x 18"; thread and tea bag holders on unprocessed wool; 2007

My study of the human spine began with some rudimentary drawings and by stitching on canvas and other materials. I was scratching around the idea and exploring and considering options. The image below is among the first stitched artworks I did. Technique-wise, I liked the contrast of the stitching and the material but thought it could be pumped up to have more impact. That was when I began experimenting with wool felt. Conceptually, I thought I had a germ of a great idea that would improve with more stream of consciousness writing about spines physically, emotionally and as metaphorical symbols. That has proven to be the case as my fascination and study of the human spine has evolved quite a bit since this initial artwork.

Spinal Touch; 13" x 13"; thread on linen; 2006

Drawings and first felt art work 2007

Detail of Spine I; thread and tea bag holders on unprocessed wool; 26" x 18"; 2007

Preparatory Drawing; 22" x 30"; graphite on watercolor paper; 2007

Preparatory Drawing; 30" x 22"; graphite on watercolor paper; 2007

The two drawings above are examples of many I did that eventually evolved into the first felt art work pictured above.

Weavings 2007-2008

 

Both of the above were made from a large open weaving of silk, bamboo and cotton. I laid in other fibers as you can see in the detail on the left. I still have a large part of this weaving that I would like to incorporate into my felt art work in the future. Both are clickable for larger views.

All of the images above are of one weaving; a raw silk and bamboo piece that was over 12' long! I love the way the bamboo shimmers against the raw silk. All are clickable for larger views.