Silk on silk with metallic and hemp thread and floss & glass beads. 30”x30”
This piece was created specifically for the “New Domestics: East Coast/West Coast” exhibition at the J. Robert & Barbara A. Hillier College of Architecture and Design Gallery at NJIT in Newark, NJ, October7- November 17, 2019.
For the forty years Mark and I have shared a life, we have always been gardeners. Over time our “roles” developed with our interests. Thus he is a master pruner and periodically I sort of just throw a variety of seeds into the ground, or pick and plant perennials. His work is always neat, precise and praise worthy, mine is, shall we say, interesting. A note about our past: when I met Mark he had 500, yes, 500 succulents or cacti in his apartment bedroom. As someone who was pursuing a degree in Land Use Planning, I found this was a hugely attractive hobby. And I still care for about 10 of these plants that have managed to make the 40 year journey with us.
30’x30’ Silk and linen over silk, cotton cord , metallic and chenille floss and thread
One afternoon while cleaning my studio and listening to lots of Queen, this image fell out of my pen. This really describes how I feel pretty much most of the time.
“Don’t Stop Me Now”
“Tonight I’m gonna have myself a real good time
I feel alive and the world it’s turning inside out Yeah!
I’m floating around in ecstasy
So don’t stop me now don’t stop me
‘Cause I’m having a good time having a good time
By Queen
12″x12″ Silk on linen with hemp, cotton metallic thread and floss
This was created specifically to sell at the Museum Shop of the Montclair Art Museum to go with my piece on display in their New Directions in Fiber Art Show. And thankfully it sold within five minutes of the shop opening on the first night of the exhibition.
34″x 48″
Silk and cotton on linen with hemp, cotton and metallic thread and floss
This was created after a marathon listen to some of my favorite 12 string guitar players, particularly Leo Kottke. I hope this image conveys the richly layered twangy/tingly funky sound colors I see/hear as a synesthete when I listen to a 12 String.
“The Mind of a 12 String Guitarist”
8 ½”x 11”
Silk and linen on silk with cotton and metallic thread and floss
After finishing the 12 string Guitar sewy, I knew I needed this as part of the presentation- kind of a modern Diptych.
14″x18 Silk on linen with hemp and cotton thread and floss
The melody moves back and forth. Read left to right following the round-like repetition of the thin strings that zig-zag between black standards to “follow the path”.
Each of the three is 30×30” Silk, cotton, poly ribbon, metallic and cotton thread and floss
As a synesthete, I recognize deep patterns in the spoken language. And, But and Not are conjunctions that join two or more thoughts. Each of these images has a vertical axis that divides the energy, the motion, and the action that I perceive in each of these three ordinary words used throughout our normal daily lives. And
The two thoughts on either side of this word are often very much alike and connected. Girls AND boys. Cars AND trucks. But
The thoughts connected by this word are often opposed or dissimilar. This piece uses two very different directions, energies and colors on each side of the axis. I love cold weather BUT want to go to the Caribbean . Not
The left side is softly rounded while the right side is rectilinear. Round is not square. Elephants are NOT Donkeys.
“Music in Curved Entrances” is inspired by the music of minimalist composer Terry Riley from the 1970’s films, “Les Yeux Fermés & Lifespan”. My work is hand-sewn and embroidered fabric art, made in silk and linen with elements of shiny metallic floss and thread. The tactility, structure, and sheen of the fabric and thread form an integral part of how I “see” and engage with Riley’s looping phrases that tumble over each other. The touch of rough and smooth textures, the brightness of silks, the matte finish of linens, and the sparkle of metallic threads all reflect my synesthesia while satisfying my other senses as I work.
My hope is that this work allows the viewer to share the energy and joy I experience as I listen to music.
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