Soft Rocks
My “Soft Rock” series stems from an exploration of the felting process. While earlier felted works consisted of highly detailed, true-to-life sculptures, these rocks are simple in shape allowing me to investigate their form and function more fully. As I form each piece of fiber into the semblance of a rock, I imbue each rock with its own individuality, whether by its shape, size, texture, or colors. Sometimes, I allow the fiber to dictate the final form. Other times, I exert more control over the materials to create exactly the look I want.
Each of the larger pieces in this series is inspired by a phrase or common saying containing some reference to the words “rock” or “stone.” Then, from those words, I arrange the fiber rocks to express the meaning.
While my work can be seen as minimalist, it is more of a contemplative experience with multiple layers of meaning: the hardness of wood contrasted with softness of fiber; a naturally hard object expressed in a soft fiber; an attempt to contain nature; the multiple meanings of each piece’s title; and the symbolism of the permanence of the rocks.
Each of the larger pieces in this series is inspired by a phrase or common saying containing some reference to the words “rock” or “stone.” Then, from those words, I arrange the fiber rocks to express the meaning.
While my work can be seen as minimalist, it is more of a contemplative experience with multiple layers of meaning: the hardness of wood contrasted with softness of fiber; a naturally hard object expressed in a soft fiber; an attempt to contain nature; the multiple meanings of each piece’s title; and the symbolism of the permanence of the rocks.
