Fiber Arts
The fiber arts are one of the oldest forms of art making. The most primitive form of fiber arts, taking reeds, grasses and other natural materials, and forming them into a crude basket for carrying water, food and for storage date back to the dawn of womankind. Yes, womankind, because it was the women who made these items for daily use. Next came the use of animal fibers: hair from horses, bears, sheep, goats and other animals was gathered and turned into fiber for clothing.
Weaving is one of the oldest forms of fiber arts and many cultures were quite skilled at this practice. The ancient Celts were known for their elaborate dyed clothing and ceremonial pieces. The Navaho are renowned for their beautiful rugs, which are still created and admired today.
Many cultures revered the goddess of weaving and spinning. To the Greeks she was Athena. To the Romans, Minerva. The Baltic called her Saule, the Egyptians Neith. Whatever name She was known by, it is easy to see the importance of fiber to all cultures.
I love working with fibers. I have a huge stash of fabric for making art dolls, art quilts, journal covers, bookmarks and artist trading cards. I also enjoy making my own paper for use in envelopes, stationery and freeform sculpture. I crochet using the most delicious yarns full of texture and vibrancy.
Being a very tactile person, I enjoy the sensations of fibers beneath my fingers. I embrace their uniqueness and appreciate their diversity. I connect with the goddess of the fiber arts every time I create a piece using these materials. Each time I use fibers, of any sort, I feel empowered with the knowledge that countless women have done the same through the centuries. That entire goddess cultures rose around the women-based art of fibers.
The following images are some of my most recent fiber arts creations. All are thumbnail images, to see the full size one just click away!
