Exciting work, as always, Jim. Out of interest what kind of interfacing did your wife use to make that top section of embroidery stay upright?
I agree with Pencheff's comment that the work seems rooted in the seventies but I guess that's come from research and it's always exciting to see both a design and technique revival and someone working outside their comfort and experience zone.
For those who have expressed an interest in pursuing a similar theme there are still books available (published in the 70's) at Amazon by Constance Howard and Mary Gostelow for instance who describe these methods in detail.
For those who can see the potential in using fibre and other natural materials in combination but in a 21st century way it would be worth visiting
http://www.browngrotta.com/ where you will see artists and craftspeople from the US and around the world using traditional techniques and in the forefront of re-inventing craft output, challenging the viewers perception of their craft, ensuring continuity and encouraging young people to participate.
I was particularly fortunate in having extended conversations with Dorothy Gill Barnes a couple of years back when she was staying with a friend of mine while over here for an exhibition. She has much to say in both words and work about modern craft, seeing, observing and expession. Her work is well worth investigating and has relevance to wood in that she uses the material in her work. She certainly helped me in looking for alternatives. She has taught at Arrowmont in the past, I don't know wheteher she still does. There are videos available from the gallery where techniques and philosophies to work are explored.
Hope this is constructive and helpful.
