TAPESTRY MATERIALS

I’m often asked to describe the various material elements that I choose for my tapestries and how I decide which materials to use.

The technique of Gobelin which I use exclusively in my tapestries is a traditional 17^th century tapestry method.  To learn more about the interesting technique follow this link http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/history-of-art/gobelins-tapestry.htm

Because it is necessary for the tapestries to last for generations in good condition I am very particular about the quality of the materials I choose.  The main element of each tapestry is wool.  The extremely wide choice in colors and textures allows me to fully embrace the artwork.  One of the exciting stages of tapestry design is deciding exactly how the artwork will be best represented by the wool which has such a rich variety of colors and textures.  In each design I mix colors and combine threads in a way that makes each one of my tapestries unique.

Other yarns that I draw upon are cotton, silk, and metallic threads of pure gold or silver.  Industrial threads and natural embroidery threads such as Mouline and Perle are also incorporated depending on the design.  My goal is always to take full advantage of the materials that are available to me in order to create a tapestry that is exciting and appealing.

One example of a tapestry using metallic threads of silver and gold is Esther.  In order to enhance the magnificent Royal Palace of the King.

Although I more frequently create artwork which uses color to portray the feeling I want to convey, I don’t always feel that bright colors are necessary to create the warm atmosphere I intend.  My tapestry Holocaust: During uses only shades of black, white and gray but I feel shows exactly the mood I intended.

All of my tapestries are created from the very finest fibers available and are intended to last generations.