Fiber Art

Fiber baskets are made using layers and layers of pulp painted fibers such as cattail, artemesia, corn, garlic, abaca, kozo and cotton. Washed birch bark and /or handmade beads are added to enhance the textural qualities.

Cast paper works are the most involved with process. I first carve clay forms, and cast them in plaster to use for my mould. Using my pigmented pulp painting fibers, I ‘paint’ into the forms in multilayered veils of color. Thicker fibers are hand layered onto the reverse image and pressed into the form. Stainless steel wire is embedded for hanging. Finally, a light coat of Gamar, UV protecting varnish is painted onto the form.

My current subject is inspired from a recent visit to see my ancestral family in Finland.