ARTIST STATEMENT
The vessels that I make are woven of dyed and natural rattan reed. Fiber reactive dyes are used to color the reeds. I often incorporate stone, wood, and glass beads into the designs.
The first decision made in producing each vessel is the basic shape. Then I pick the colors, usually three to four that will enhance the shape. Even though the basic shape is in my mind, I rely on the process to guide my hands toward the final look. For instance, I might decide that by changing a certain weave the outcome of the piece would be better served. All my pieces are one of a kind and made by me alone.
The material is rattan reed, which is a wild and prolific vine from the rain forests of Southeast Asia. After the reed is harvested it is run through extruders to produce the various sizes and shapes. I then dye the material in my studio. The fiber reactive dyes used are color and light fast and produce a rich pallet of hues.
Inspiration for my work comes from my own backyard, the Cascade Mountains in western Oregon. The luscious greens and blues of the rain forest and the brilliant yellows, oranges, reds and even the browns of the fall determine my pallet. The intense jungle-like quality of the forest as it grows and changes offers compelling weaving challenges.
EDUCATION:
1973/76 California College of Arts and Crafts: B.F.A.
1971 Chapman College, World Campus Afloat
1968-1971 California Institute of the Arts
PROFESSIONAL:
'99-2002 “Contemporary Baskets” show, del Mano Gallery, L.A. CA.
‘00/’01 SOFA” Chicago, (Sculptural Objects and Functional Art), del Mano Gallery
’99-2001 “Exceptional Vessel”, La Jolla Fiberarts, La Jolla, California
‘99/2001 “Celebration of the Arts”, Copper Mt. Colorado
2001 “Keystone Mountain Art
Gathering”, Keystone, Colorado 2001 Winner of the 2001 NICHE Award for Decorative Fiber
2001 “A Celebration of Creativity” Fiber/Textile exhibit, Crossman Gallery, Whitewater, WI.
2002 “Baskets Now: USA” show, Arkansas Art Center, Decorative Arts Museum, Little Rock, AR
2002 “Contemporary Art Basket Invitational” American Art Company, Tacoma, WA.
2002 Finalist for NICHE Award in Decorative Fiber