Weaving ideas

The woven wall hanging is called Loss. It shows the effects of Alzheimer's disease. The idea to weave this was the result of wondering what it would be like to experience dementia. The loss of control and cognitive functioning could result from any loss, I think. Loss of vision, mobility, the will to live...

I weave functional things like scarves, tea towels and shawls. This is the first wall hanging, but not the first thing I've woven to express an idea. I wove a shawl showing the rotation of the earth on its axis and orbit around the sun as demonstrated in the colours of the natural world around me. A table runner was a meditation on waste and conservation.

Weaving is not often used as a medium for expressing feelings, ideas, social commentary and such. But it's my medium. My mind is brimming with ideas and questions and the artist in me wants to present them in a way to provoke conversation and contemplation. For this reason, I enter these works in a juried art show. It tests my skills as an artist, and if a piece is selected for the show, it is an opportunity to present it to a large audience - hoping that conversation and contemplation occurs.

It can be intimidating to publicly exhibit my work, but I have the love and support of friends and family who see the worth in what I do. For that, I am most grateful. Now, back to the loom.