A Strand, A Shape, A Story

Tapestry Weavers South new show will open January 20th at The Folk Art Center.  Dear hubs and I took a road trip Friday, January 5th and delivered these two pieces for exhibition.

Beauty and the Break and Rust and Ruin.

I blogged previously about Beauty and the Break here.  Rust and Ruin is my ode to 2017.

I attached this page to the back of each submitted tapestry.

As it explains, 2017 was a year of fits and starts and this tapestry reflects that.

C. Cactus Flower Loom warped at 10 ends per inch with 12/6 cotton seine twine.  Weft is linen,  wool, rayon and metallic yarns augmented with rusty bits from a friend's farm in Meadow, NC.

Last year's challenges included sudden hearing loss and some dizziness diagnosed as Meniere's Disease.  Many discussions with physicians about my fluctuating hearing loss and the efficacy of hearing aids.  

When I wanted to do a self portrait, it made sense to title it "Say What"

My self portrait.  "Say What".

 My drawing skills are crappy  rudimentary at best.  This is my first attempt at weaving a face and was great fun.  I used unsewn slits for the ears to  illustrate my hearing loss.  I do love a chunky necklace and had to add one.

Ruth Manning is a wonderful tapestry artist who does portraits with wedge weave backgrounds.  I am so inspired by her work and how she captures facial expressions and personalities. I so hope to take a workshop with her someday.

Dear hubs pointed out that my self portrait wasn't smiling.  I think that is appropriate.  It has been a time of reflection, pulling back, and seeking new ways to live a little more "quietly" and deeply.