Fiber Forms

A collection of fiber forms has been slowly evolving in my studio. The core of each one is made using a common household material--aluminum foil. Once the skeleton is constructed I wrap it with layer upon layer of fabric, lace and string. These bound layers are pinned into place until I'm satisfied with its shape, color and texture. During the tedious process of stitching I let go of time and enjoy the meditative process of slowly marking the surface with stitches and securing the layers of each cocoon. On a few of the pieces I've sculpted glandular caps out of resin. After they are finished with a brass metal coating these accents add visual contrast to the stitched surface. So far I've completed thirteen of these intimate fiber forms and I invite you to take a peek.

Landscape Collage

Erosion, book cover, buckram, paper, glue, encaustic

Over the last month I've finished up a grouping of landscape collage on old book covers. Tattered covers make the best collage surface as they are sturdy, inexpensive and have built-in character. It's much easier to get started when you don't have a pristine surface staring back at you. I unearthed various bits from previous collage binges to create layers of strata, distant horizons and even a mirage or two.

Collage With Wax

Off Kilter, wood panel, buckram, paper, glue, encaustic

In addition to working on new sculpture I've been carrying on with collage. This is the process I turn to when I'm stumped with other projects or need a 'brain break'. It's playful and requires much less commitment on my part. These new collage pieces are all book skin scraps on panel. They are coated with encaustic medium--the wax is applied with a brush and fused with a hot palette knife. The layers of translucent wax with the marks of the tools lend a tactile, painterly quality to the collage. Buffing the cured wax is gratifying as it brings a lustrous sheen to the surface.

Pearl & Wild Birds, wood panel, buckram, paper, glue, encaustic