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| Woven Vessels of Paper |
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Simple forms like market and tote baskets, baskets with hand turned wooden bases, and Shaker baskets, that are totally traditional and very technical, have all guided me on my journey as a basketmaker.
My work has it's own spirit and grace and is based on traditional structure, with a contemporary spin-off from Shaker influence. Working in the medium of archival paper allows me to explore and have fun with technique, structure, color and detail. My baskets have a continuous flow, and the uplifted feet give them a light perky feeling. The curl embellishments add texture and an added dimension, which I find interesting and intriguing. As you walk around a piece, the "eyes" follow you, and the piece seems to be dancing. The round global shape appeals to me, and as I shape a basket, I try to achieve a feeling of lightness and movement having no straight lines on the form. Color inspiration comes from many avenues such as nature, textiles, ethnic prints, contemporary weaving and even clothing I see people wearing.
Basketmaking is meditative, relaxing, and has a rhythm that I find pleasurable. My greatest pleasure in the process is to sit back and view my finished work, and enjoy the thought of sharing a part of myself with the world that will endure long after I am gone |
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| FIRE ON THE MOUNTAINS |
| As I weave these pieces, I am inspired by the three fires that engulf these, my Smokey Mountains. This is not the blue mist smoke that is usually seen in these beautiful, pristine, breath-taking vistas. We have not had rain in two months, so the fires blaze on, and on, and on. As I weave and gaze out of my window, I wait for rain. These pieces are woven of 100% cotton heavy-weight archival paper with metallic thread lashing. First I paint the paper on both sides using a number of different types of surface design techniques. Then the paper is cut into strips and woven. The curl embellishments are a second layer added on top of the weaving below. A coating of UV polymer varnish is brushed on top of each finished piece to add extra stiffness and protection |
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