My most recent series of tapestries has been inspired by musical scores of pieces I enjoyed playing many years ago as a child and teenager and also a piece that my daughter analyzed as part of her Ph.D. dissertation in musicology. I have translated musical sound into visual images by creating systems using math and the twelve tones of the western classical scale. With these guidelines in place and the tapestry designed I insert the colors according to the system I have set up. The wonderful part is not knowing what is coming next; there is always a surprise. In addition to this aleatoric approach, I try to make the physical act of weaving harmonious with the design elements. The stripes and squares that I am so fond of have become morphed into the rhythm of the music, the beat of my pulse, and the breathing so important to my practice of meditation and Tai Chi.

Joyce Hayes has a BFA in Printmaking and Design from Miami University of Ohio. After many years as a printmaker allergies to the solvents led to a change into textiles. She has been weaving for the past 28 years and began weaving tapestries eight years ago. Since that time she has enjoyed learning about both the present and past history of the medium. Most importantly she sees the medium of tapestry as the way to finding her artistic voice.