This fan is approximately 5′ wide by 4.5′ tall and 2″ deep. It is made out of my favorite ornamental plum branches, Siberian iris stalks, New Zealand flax, and inner bark of the Western red cedar.
I love the textures and smells of the materials while working.
When I conceived this, I thought I’d end up applying mixed-grass paper to some portions of the surface of the weaving. But as I progress, I’m appreciating the straight-forward effect, simplicity, and the negative space between the seed pods. This piece will be mounted on a spacious, light colored wall in a dinning area. I’m hoping the seed pods and plum frame will cast interesting shadows that will change with the shifting light of each day, and each season.
Now it’s time to get ready for teaching at IslandWood for my eleventh season there. What fun it is for me to be able to meet elementary students from all over the region, to exchange teaching tips with a vibrant group of graduate students, and to work with the ever-inspiring education team at IslandWood. This will be busy spring. I’m fortunate to have been invited as a guest artist to teach 1st and 2nd graders at Suquamish Elementary School. I cherish the opportunity to return to the grade school community that both our sons attended so many years ago.
I’ll do my best to keep you posted! Happy weaving, creating, and imagining, to all.
