Weaving, quilting, needle arts, silk screening and basketry are areas of fiber I’ve explored over the years. My current work is a culmination of reflections and experiences with dimensional format. I found that I wanted to manipulate the flat surfaces into 3-dimensional forms. The discovery of basketry techniques enabled me to construct forms without constrictions of size or shape.
My experimentation with paper began over 18 years ago after discovering a variety of exquisite kozo papers in a shop in Japan. I was intrigued by the transparency and strength of the papers. Returning home, I began to use them for printmaking and then applied the printed papers to the surfaces of my basket forms.
I had previously cast handmade paper, but found the forms weren’t flexible enough to manipulate. I experimented with layering mulberry papers using an acrylic adhesive to a basket form or other object, then removing it and manipulating it into the forms I desired. Coming from a textile background, I enjoy that paper has a memory and retains the textures from the objects it is cast on. It also has the freedom of flexibility to be painted, dyed, and altered; giving the illusions of weight, of being made of metal or clay.
I love to travel internationally and visit Ethnological Museums. My work often reflects these experiences with other cultures. As for my philosophy: The process of creating is centering and exciting. It is important to me in my own work and when I teach, to encourage experimentation of new techniques, forms, materials, and content.
