When Karen and I first started out, I wound bobbins for her and observed her weaving. Soon enough, I wanted to begin weaving my very own tapestry and based the design on a painting I had done. When I finished, I was proud to say I had woven my own tapestry, but I realized I needed some intense study in technique.

Since then, I’ve progressed a lot! Last summer I applied for The Ann Spurlock Memorial Scholarship to take Karen’s three-day “Taste of Tapestry Class” at The Art Center of Estes Park. I learned techniques and had so much fun interacting with the other students and seeing how well they could do! Most of us were beginners and, by the end, our samplers didn’t look like beginning work. In a portion of the sampler, I designed my initials that I now weave in the corner of my tapestries.

As of right now, Karen and I are collaborating on a tapestry to be contributed to the 9/11 memorial tapestry project! The design shows the country behing New York and light beams from the Twin Towers transparent throughout. It’s 10” by 20” and soon to be cut off the loom. One thing that I must say I’ve learned while weaving this piece is goal setting! It’s great to make deadlines for yourself and be able to accomplish them. Weaving has taught me patience and how important organizing and prioritizing are.

One thing I am looking forward to is exhibiting in the “Small Format Frontiers” show along with Karen. We plan to weave self portraits and are hoping to have them hung next to each other. I am also planning to attend the Handweavers Guild of America Convergence 2004 in Denver. I am very excited about taking classes, visiting exhibits and shows, and meeting other tapestry weavers.

As you can see, being a tapestry apprentice is such a great experience! If anyone else was given this once in a lifetime chance, to do what I do, please don’t hesitate. Not many people get to have work they are passionate about. I feel very lucky! I hope to be working with Karen for a long time. I also hope one day to have someone watch my fingers work as magically as hers did the first day we met.

For my future in art, I haven’t a clue! One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned with Karen is that it takes time to make amazing things happen! That’s why I am going to take a lot of time choosing my career! I either want to major in Art, Fiber Arts, or Music. But whatever road I take, my memorable days of being in Karen’s studio will never, never be forgotten!