As coordinator for the Tips & Tactics theme, I thought about its practical and philosophical nature. My process of requesting articles was like the making of a tapestry, and the design was based upon a thinking sheet I sent to prospective contributors. Due to the overwhelming response . . . the practical tips were in the Winter 2009 issue and the more philosophical musings are in this issue.

Within each of us is a deep well of creativity. It is linked to spirit and to the life force, and it is essential to well being. . . . To me, everything begins with what you see as being beautiful. . . . When I design and weave, my desire is to communicate the beauty that I feel.

Designing tapestry begins with something I see in the natural environment that moves me. It’s as if I take a visual impression of the feeling that a particular scene evokes in me. . . . I often do many pastel drawings as studies before selecting the one I will weave into tapestry. . . . In my recent series, Aurora Borealis Behind the Trees, there are 10 drawings and four tapestries.

below: Thoma Ewen at her loom

below: Thoma Ewen, pastel study for Aurora Borealis Behind the Trees #5

below: Thoma Ewen, Aurora Borealis Behind the Trees # 4: Curtain of Light, 4’ x 6', 2009

below: Thoma Ewen, initial study for Curtain of Light series

below: Thoma Ewen, pastel drawing for Garden of Light series

below: Thoma Ewen, Garden of Light 2, 2’ x 3', 2008

Index of Content