“Cathedral Woods”

36.5” X 37.5”

2010

Hand painted linen; Commercial textiles; Copper, pewter and brass mesh; Painted landscaping fabric; Painted Heat Away stabilizer; Painted fusible web, bonded with chiffon; Mica flakes; Various threads and metallic cord; Mounted on fabric wrapped wooden frame

Collage; Hand painting of linen (textile paints and watercolour pencils); Thermo-        fabrication with heat gun; Free motion embroidery and quilting; Sheer overlay; Couching; Bobbin stitching; Copper embossing

Artist Statement:

Many hours have been spent walking in the woods, with my dog, and each trip holds a new wonder and closeness with the Creator.  Many times have I heard people suggest that time spent with nature, can prompt the same closeness to the holy, as they might sense when in a grand cathedral. "Cathedral Woods" links both experiences.

Text by Rumi, stitched in gold thread onto the background and obscured, refers to the    many paths we take, but the goal is one.  The use of the Chartres Labyrinth imagery relates to this as well.  The domed ceiling image originated from a photo taken on a trip taken several years ago, to one of the many church ruins in Ireland. We walk where others have walked before, following a path linking us to the holy.

Rumi text:

Go on a journey from self to Self, my friend... Such a journey transforms the earth into a mine of gold

The paths are many, but the goal is one. If you are considering the different roads, the variety is immense and the differences infinite; if you consider the goal, however, they are all in harmony and are one.

When you came into this world of created beings, a ladder was placed before you, so that you might climb out of it. At first, you were inanimate; you then became a plant; after that, you were transformed into an animal. At long last, you transmuted into a human being, imbued with knowledge, intelligence and faith. Next, you will become an angel. Then you will have finished this world and your dwelling will be in the Light-world of Heaven. Go beyond even that, go beyond even the station of an angel. Pass into that vast Ocean, so that the single drop - yourself - can become a Sea.

Exhibits:

Devon House, The Craft Counil of Newfoundland and Labrador, St. John's, NL, Canada, 2011

Sir Wilfred Grenfell College Art Gallery, Memorial University, Corner Brook, NL, Canada, 2011

$1500