Process
Over the years the subject matter for my tapestries has changed but my passion for weaving and my strong interest in the physical properties of tapestry have remained constant.
My tapestries are woven primarily with natural materials, including wool, silk, linen, mohair, and cotton. Each fiber has its own unique properties and reflects light in a different way. Most of the yarns are either the natural color of the fiber or they have been hand dyed to the exact colors needed for each tapestry. I use Lanaset or Procion MX dyes with a variety of dye techniques. Many of the tapestries also include embroidery. These tapestries are woven on a Gilmore loom.
Pulled warp is a technique that I have used off and on throughout my career. I first used it to weave large V-shaped tapestries in 1980. Many tapestries in the Horizon, Observation, and Observation Light series also utilized pulled warp. It is an interesting technique that allows the weaver to curve, bend and fold the tapestry without cutting or sewing. It can be used for both 2-D and 3-D work. It is a technique with limitless potential that I have documented in a new book. Tapestry with Pulled Warp: Inspiration, Technique, and the Creative Process will be published in Spring 2024 by Schiffer Publishing, Ltd.
