Tactile and Textile

I love fabric almost as much as I love clay. Fabric, yarn, thread, anything and everything related to spun and woven textile goodness. My mom taught to sew when I was little, one Aunt taught me the art of cross-stitching, another how to piece a free form quilt. I feel the art of fabric has always surrounded me, maybe that's why I find it such an inspiring thing. To me, clay and fabric or textiles are similar in many ways. They are both so tactile, their textures can range from silky smooth to rough and abrasive, they can be glossy or matte, but the real beauty of both is the amount of manipulation and creative avenues you can push both mediums towards.

Fabrics and textiles excite and inspire me. Some of my early pieces were an experiment in recreating the visual look of draped fabric. Much of my work is still influenced by this early idea. My current pieces are much more uniform visually, as I cut the slabs of clay into near perfect circles before laying them on their molds. When I shape my pieces, I gently manipulate the clay, trying to create a fluid look without creases.

Inspiration and ideas can come from so many places, some are brand new, others have patiently waited to manifest themselves into a piece or idea.  I am constantly inspired by fabrics , currently by antique lace and doilies (an art in themselves).  This love links my past and my present, the ideas planted several decades ago, finding an outlet in my current work.  Making a tactile object out of a textile one.