Pre-Quarantine 2020
Works from February 2020 Costa Rica and Coffee
Mere weeks before we began to shelter in place, I was fortunate to go on a “Sisters Trip” to Costa Rica. It was a wonderful trip in so many ways, especially given what followed shortly thereafter. My first time to Central America, experiencing the dramatic differences in scenery between the Cloud Forest and the Pacific coast in terms of vegetation, wildlife and terrain. The butterflies, frogs and flowers of the mountains were beautiful. I wasn’t lucky enough to see a sloth, but they are still a favorite! The coastal preserves were full of birds and monkeys and the beach was gorgeous.
The coffee was excellent and inspired a series devoted to that life giving beverage!
San Jose was interesting and full of life and I enjoyed the markets, museums, streets and people.
Wires Crossed
“Wires Crossed” was inspired by crossed utility wires seen above the streets in San Jose, Costa Rica and also acknowledging how frequently we have our wires crossed in the ways we communicate with each other. Sharp color contrasts emphasize this message. Mixed Media collage made with vintage kimono silks, Japanese papers, cotton fabric, tulle and alpaca wool yarn.
Cloud Forest
Birds of Paradise, brilliant frog and lush vegetation were inspired by recent trip to Costa Rica. Made with mix of silk, cotton, wool and tulle, this lush jungle background is based on a photo I took in the the cloud forest of Monte Verde The frog was not in photo (that would have been extraordinary!) I added a branch for it to hang off, ready to jump out of the picture.
Homage to Coffee I
Coffee is life! Costa Rica is a perfect place for coffee (and chocolate) lovers. Superb, smooth and rich. On my return I wanted to express my love of the brew by placing it on a mountain top, in a monumental setting. A cup of coffee sits atop the mountains where the beans are grown. Combining cultures, I used vintage kimono fabrics to create this textile piece.
Homage to Coffee II
Homage to Coffee II” combines cultural influences of Costa Rican coffee grown in the beautiful mountains with vintage Japanese kimono textiles.
Through the Hills
Reminiscent of hills and mountains in Costa Rica and Japan, “Through the Hills” is a mixed media textile collage made with scraps of vintage kimono silks, Japanese art paper and yarn.
Coffee for Two
Last coffee related textile art piece for the moment. A real break from recent work. Being left-handed and right-eyed makes for tilted coffee in the cups! Based on an inherited coffeepot and cups from France (Quimper) made with bohemian fabrics.