Besides being used with purple as a single yarn, the thin black cotton sometimes alternates with either the thicker black wool or tan yarn used in a modified pick and pick patterns in the border. Since the thin yarn cannot cover as much surface area as the thicker yarn, small specks of warp color show through. She played with which colors would show within a specific pattern. In some areas of the border, one color warp consistently shows through and at other times which color comes through is random. When alternated with the black wool, she often used two picks of wool to one pick of thin cotton that produce alternating pinpoints of many warp colors. The manipulations are very subtle elaborations that do not have a major effect on the image. What they do accomplish is that they give the viewer the opportunity to come into the tapestry for an intimate discovery of the yarn’s path.

Ferry Detail #1

Ferry Detail close-up

By giving the face a decided textural quality, Nezhnie achieved a surprisingly life-like image. Having a patterned border probably serves to balance the unrealistic nature of the face, an ingenious choice. Dr. Ferry looks vital, alert, and maybe a bit challenging to those around him. There is a sense of quick-witted intelligence in his eyes. His widow maintains that Nezhnie captured his inner self and his “larger-than-life” personality. His medical partner saw his sense of humor showing through. I see the portrait as Muriel’s need to satisfy her own complex vision even in commission work. I am in awe of her commitment to discovering new ways to manifest that vision.

Distance Learning

by Mary Lane

When Priscilla Lynch contacted me about volunteering for ATA’s Distance Learning Program (then called the Mentoring Program), I agreed enthusiastically. The woman I worked with, Elke Hulse, lives in Brasil. . . I enjoyed working with Elke and we both feel that our mentoring experience was a success. For a mentoring situation to thrive, the student must be self-motivated and the mentor must be able to express herself well with words. Elke is a very productive and enthusiastic weaver. She completed many tapestries during our mentorship. I had the advantage of years of teaching experience to offer her. It is also important for the student to express in specific terms what she hopes to gain from the mentoring relationship. These expectations should be quite specific. . . The expectations should be realistic for both the student and the mentor and should be possible to achieve within the mentoring period. Finally, the mentor and student should make an agreement about the frequency of communication.

Elke Hulse, Alvo 4 (Target), 20” x 12”, 0.30 x 0.50 cm, 2004

Although our mentoring relationship is over, Elke continues to send me photos of her tapestries, which I always enjoy receiving. Her recent work includes pieces woven with recycled plastic that are shaped three dimensionally after the weaving. Perhaps she could teach that technique to me!

First Prize Awarded to Lynda Brothers

Lynda Brothers won First Prize in HGA’s Showcase Exhibit at the Association of Southern California Handweavers Conference in Escondido for her mixed media piece East Meets West in the Bamboo Garden.

Lynda Brothers, East Meets West in the Bamboo Garden, 23”h x 27”w x 11”d, gournd w/watercolor, bamboo yarn, wool, cotton, bamboo, and pine.

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