Unweavings... Wisconsin's in Da House

Life has a way of adding interesting people to one’s life and such was the case as a mutual acquaintance introduced me to a internationally known fiber artist, Laurie Wohl, who just happens to summer not far from End of the Rainbow Valley.

Laurie’s “Unweavings” and their interfaith themes intrigued me enough to arrange my travel plans purposely through Chicago this past week so I could not only see Laurie’s exhibit but also hear her speak about her work “Birds of Longing.”

After 9/11 Laurie felt a need to do something through her narrative fiber art and she has accomplished this by interweaving biblical text and poetry in Arabic, Greek, English and Hebrew into her spiritual design onto a heavy woven canvas/ treated gauze,

The fabric is transformed by not only conditioning and transforming its shape by removing crosswise/ warp threads for new shape but also collaging a myriad of materials and adding texture with  modeling paste, acrylic paints/gels and gold wash for images and a creative calligraphy. Beading also embellishes pieces.

Ezekial

Shores of Loss

Seen on the top of this piece below in Hebrew is the Shema, the jewish affirmation of faith. This piece's threads reminded me of the fringes of the tallit, prayer shawl.  613 fringes don the prayer shawl for each of the commandments which we are to strive to follow. I need to ask how many threads there really are here.

Besides sharing beauty, art has always been used as a vehicle to embody political messages especially social  justice. 

Laurie's work illustrates we are all interwoven with our commonalities rather than differences. Spiritually we are all connected regardless of religion or culture.

Laurie's liturgical works besides gracing sanctuaries and world embassies have also been accompanied by dance and music. 

It was a special treat to see first hand a very laborious and stunning fabric art...  And  I wasn't the only Wisconsinite to make the reception. If you ever get a chance to view Laurie's Unweavings, you too will feel the power of  their message.

Wisconsinites and honorary Wisconsinite Laurie (3rd from the left)

For more information re: Unweavings click : lauriewohl.com