Fibrations
by Trudy Thomson
I am drawn to the rhythms and patterns found in nature, its random features, sometimes repetitive, sometimes sequential, or undulating. My works explore cross currents of color, the pulsing of fibers, and shifts in hue.
My tapestries are intricate patterns created on my floor loom by working with various types of yarn. The yarn I select is variegated in color, twisted and spun in unusual ways. Sometimes I incorporate various scrap materials from shredded rug selvages and saris. I create refined detailed pieces as well as works that appear nubby using Rya-type techniques. When the work is complete the tapestry appears to float around a frame, or hang on a hand-crafted rod.
Because my background is Visual Design I am serious about sketching a pattern before I start to weave a tapestry and draw a detailed design on a grid of graph paper. When I settle down to weave the tapestry planned I swipe across the loom and position weft that varies in color, texture and tone. As a result what one views is carefully planned but also contains random features that un-expectantly materialize in the design. For those interested in something unique to wear I create a range of shawls and scarves.
To begin the process I create a bath with methyl-cell that rests for 24 hours so it becomes a viscous solution tor the paint to rest on. Then I can drop one color inside another so you see circles, which is referenced as “stone” because the paint that rests on the marbling bath looks like pebbles. I then create what is referenced as a “Git-Gel” pattern, which means moving a stick of some kind back and forth through the stones. You can swirl the paint around to create patterns such as “A French Comb” or “Snail”. In addition to wall work I also marble silk shawls and scarves so one can wear my unique styles.
My marbled fiber works used to create large two-dimensional pieces are produced in a totally different manner. For silk as a surface I use traditional Turkish acrylic marbling techniques that I sometimes double dip so one pattern is viewed beneath another. I also work with paper to make smaller works using a Czech paint referred to as Ebru. When my works are complete my husband creates marvelous hand-crafted frames that include inlays of different types of wood.
