Fiber Artist and Instructor with over 40 years of experience teaching and creating

My journey with fiber arts began at age eight. My serious deep dive began at age 20 and has continued for almost 40 years as a teacher, artist, and historian of textile and fiber arts of many types and from cultures around the world. I create a range of work that includes artwork using fiber alone or fiber and other media. The pieces can include found objects or pieces from my art journal.

I feel that textile arts connect people in a way that no other medium can do. In today’s world, we are a mixture of different cultures and experiences. Each of these cultures and textile methods needs to be honored, but they can’t be considered in isolation. We all have the same responsibility to protect the planet and save it for future generations. My work appeals to a global community and especially speaks to those who have a deep connection to the earth and sustainability.

Mission:

We are the keepers of tradition, the earth, and all of its creations. We must honor that responsibility in all that we do. My mission is to keep this reminder at the forefront of all of the pieces that I create. It is my hope to create pieces that embody this connectedness in a way that goes beyond the edges of the canvas. My work appeals to those who also feel a connection to others and who want to honor all life on the planet.

Philosophy and Influences:

I have always been fascinated by man’s connection to the natural world, especially in exploring the line where man’s creation and the natural world touch each other. Each changes the other one in a permanent way. The growth of biophilic design delights my very soul, and my latest textile adventures blend elements of the natural world into each piece through colors, organic shapes, and found pieces of the natural world. I am still drawn to the Mid-century modern aesthetic, which also incorporated elements of nature through color and texture. Look for the line between man and nature in my work.

From ancient to modern times, people have and still use textiles in ceremony and sacred spaces. In this way they can bring us closer to the divine. They are also a necessary part of our every day life. I often use Boro stitching in my work to represent the idea of healing and renewal. Combining techniques that range from Kantha to Peruvian Quipa knots highlights the human connection.

I draw from the many techniques I have studied, sometimes combining primitive and ancient techniques in a way that is contemporary and unique. You might find needle felt and Japanese Shashiko embroidery or tapestry weaving and basketry in the same piece. My themes follow a continuum from natural to manmade, incorporating a little of each in different proportions.