Fiber Artist –Mom

I am often asked how did I get evolved with fiber art. In the past I would tell the story about while recovering from an accident I was introduced to cross stitch and that lead to a whole new interest. But over the last few weeks I have realised that I have been experimenting with a threaded needle and manipulating fibers for as long as I can remember. My Mother told me that she use to thread a needle and I would sew buttons on everything, not sure why but it may have been something that kept me entertained and in one spot for a period of time. Mom also taught me how to sew by hand and to use a machine. I had a basic idea on how to use a pattern and make simple items well before I entered Junior High. Needless to say I was very bored in the Home Ec classes making an apron.

I know an aunt of Moms had taught her to knit and that was her passion. There was always something on needles, socks, mittens, and sweaters. I am sure she lost count on how many of the Icelandic sweaters that were done in the round she made in the 80’s. She could knit one up in a day or 2. She could start a pair of socks on Christmas Eve and have them wrapped and under the tree for the morning.

Mom knitting with Me at 2 or 3 and my Aunt in the back ground

I’m not sure when she started to sew. I know she loved clothes but being a child of the Depression years probably started to sew out of necessity. She was very practical; she made her wedding dress in pink so it could be worn again. She always said to my sisters and I, “if you don’t want to see yourself coming then make it”. She must be the reason I prefer one of kind in just about everything .

Mom & Dad May 1st 1948

Moms priority was her children and very rarely did she interfere but was always supportive. She was my second biggest fan (husband is first) when I entered the art world, always interested and always encouraging on my next project.

Mom died on the 30^th of July 2010 just 18 days from her 85^th birthday. She had been ill for a short period of time but we were not expecting her to die. Knowing how she felt about what I do is part of the process of moving forward. So each day is taken one at a time and I continue to work and experiment with a variety of fibers. Some days are better than others.

Last pair of socks she knitted for me this spring. I didn’t tell her that that were put in the dryer but I can still stretch them to fit.

Creative Expression

Besides playing with a kaleidoscope program I do try and work in some sort of creative expression daily. I most often work in a sketch book or on a variety of papers that are later glued or stitched in to the sketch book. There are so many products to be used but I look at what I will be able to tranfer or use in to some sort of art quilt with stitch .Shown are enamel paint on paper and painted Tyvek.

K-scopes with Peonies

Of course I had to play with the shapes,light and colours

Peonies -2

What can I say? These peonies were just beautiful and no touch up needed.

Peonies

The month of June has come and gone and so have the Peonies. But I was able to take a few photos of some of the flowers from one of the garden beds. They were so much prettier in a vase and seem to last longer then those I left on the plant.

Standing Relation

My blog's main purpose is to be about fiber manipulation of all types but not much has been posted about it lately .Not that I haven't worked on, any just no time to post. I have been working on a series all winter and slowly it is coming together. The series is called Standing Relations and is based on a study I did of the BC rain forest a few years ago with the group I exhibit with Articulation.

Everything seemed so large on the forest floor . This first one is a fern and still a lot to do yet . It has been dyed first and now I am stitching all over. After the machine work is done I will embellish it more with paint and maybe a bit of hand stitch .


And this one was inspired by old trees that still have life with in. The fore ground is near completion and is layers of fibers. The back ground will be heavily stitched with more fibers and paint.

There are still a few more in the series but in different stages of completion I'll share those on another day .

Special Day

To day was special ~ Had lunch with the love of my life at our favorite place, Tyes & Tails then a tour at whats becoming another favorite place, Cornhill Nursery . Bought a plum tree and took lots of pictures.

Looking over the valley from Whyte Mountain Road - Beautiful !!!!