Needle Felting
My interest in the artisans from cultures around the world inspired me to immerse myself in art. I found I loved fiber, a medium that is natural, sustainable—and portable. My Grandmother trees were inspired by a cedar grove where I walked, gratefully receiving wisdom and healing, gifts from the “Standing People.” I offer my Grandmothers in gratitude of the gifts of each day, not the least of which is the air we breathe because of them. As a 40-year-old mother, I had the privilege of studying with two of America’s most respected clay artists, Robert Sperry and Patti Warashina at the University of Washington. I was influenced by the shapes of the Southwest Indian potters and the designs of the Pacific Northwest coastal tribes. I grew up on the shores of Puget Sound and share the reverence these people have for our Mother Earth. I have chosen the majestic Grandmothers of our forests as my clan, my tribe. It was to them that I turned when my daughter was taken from us by cancer. One day I found a bit of joy watching a U Tube video of needle-felted, celebrity-look a-like-dolls racing in remote controlled cars, and peeking out from behind trees and rocks. These amazing characters were created by the fiber artist, Kay Petal. I use driftwood sticks to support the tree trunks, and river rocks or driftwood as bases. Wire armature forms the branches, and the fibers are of sheep and alpaca.