42 x 48 inches

Fibers

In collaboration with Jamie VandenLangenberg, Northlake Discovery Center

I was inspired by the vibrant colors of the aquatic and marsh plants my water expert described. This piece imagines a bird’s eye view of a marsh transitioning into a tannic body of water. I created the base of this piece with loose knitting and fiber to reflect the movement and potential of water and a vibrant ecosystem. The plants were created separately with various other fiber arts techniques, including crochet and pom-poms, which was a wonderful way to further my knowledge and get to play with the materials without being guided by a pattern. Some of the plants I was inspired by were tamarack, pitcher plants, dragon’s mouth orchids, marsh milkweed, bullhead pond lilies, and white water lilies. This piece was created very intuitively: I did not count stitches during my knitting, allowing the piece and the energy to take the lead in the creative process. As an artist, I am still finding my footing and still trying to wrap my head around considering myself as an “artist”. Most of my work up to this point has been garments and accessories, and the medium I work in is often relegated to “low art” like many other mediums historically considered “women’s work”.