Inside the Process - Part II

Last time, I shared some of the mechanics of making felt and what a challenge it is to get the fibers to come together so they create the finished size and "hand" that I want. Long before I get to that point though, there's a whole process needed to get the white wool roving dyed in the many colors I use. Dyeing is part chemistry, part art and sometimes, pure alchemy!

And, color choices don't stop once the raw wool is dyed and carded. Color blending and layout are the next parts of the process of making a Network Tapestry™. Most of the time my inspiration comes from the raw colors in my mind’s eye. After dyeing many hues, I pick several that, at first, look like they have nothing in common and perhaps can even be a bit jarring together. The challenge for me is to arrange them in a particular way throughout the tapestry where the colors end up complementing each other.

What is most satisfying to me is to watch the reaction of people when they first see my finished work. Even though we each may see elements of the piece in different ways, what’s key is that the tapestry allows us to share in a very personal conversation. Knowing that my work generates a reaction inspires me to keep on searching for new textures and colors and ways to communicate. - PJ