Inner Flow

Knotted pile weaving, grapevine wood, 2018

INNER FLOW was conceived following my receipt of nine pieces of grapevine wood that were among the materials left by a sculptor friend who had recently died. I see this sculptural work as a collaboration with him, and I have incorporated themes relating to the flow of energy that bridges everything in life and death. The vibrant colors of the weaving embedded in the core of the dead wood, reflect the elements of earth, air, fire, and water, with a fifth element I see as magic. A red line representing the flow of blood or life force appears in each panel, moving visually from one to the next. It moves like a river through different environments, but the flow and message of the work change according to the variable arrangement of the individual pieces. Rather than dictate the order for exhibition, I pass on the collaborative process to the curator, who chooses how pieces are grouped, stacked, turned around, or placed on their backs.

Although these pieces are woven in a traditional knotted pile rug technique, the unconventional materials combine wool deconstructed from Harris Tweed fabric, handspun wool, and silk. The textures of the repurposed and handspun fibers are intended to contribute to the unique spirit and liveliness of the weavings.