Water Color Sketches

Kantha: The Embroidered Quilts of Bengal

Kantha is a type of embroidery popular in Bangladesh and in West Bengal, India. The Sanskrit word kontha means 'rags.' The use of kantha is popular in saris traditionally worn by women in Bengal. Originally it was used to join layers of old saris, to make quilts. It was also used as a means of self expression by both urban and rural women in Bengal. Check out this amazing exhibition at the Philadelphia Art Museum http://www.philamuseum.org/exhibitions/364.html

Flora de Vida

I have always been drawn to the pattern of the flower of life which is a symbol of sacred geometry. This symbol has been found in temples, art, and manuscripts of cultures from around the world. These designs were drawn onto linoleum blocks and then carved out to create a block print. In this series all of these designs are block printed onto paper.

Pakistani Truck Art

My good friend Becky who owns the fabulous Random tea room in northern liberties where you can get the best homemade chai in Philly http://www.therandomtearoom.com/home.html
recently turned me on to the amazing designs and inspiring paintings of these Pakistani trucks. I would love to see something like this while driving down the highway:) To check out more of these photos visit this website http://web.mac.com/mikespix/iWeb/Site/Pakistani%20Truck%20Art.html

Itajime Shibori

The process of folding fabric, and then clamping it between boards is the Itajime technique of Shibori dyeing. The fabric is folded into vertical pleats of squares, rectangles and triangles and placed between two shapes of wood board or metal and clamped. The shapes of the wood or metal determine the resulting pattern onto the dyed fabric. Check out some of my new creations!!!

1st blog post

welcome to my blog. I am really excited to connect with the world through my computer. I love working with materials and making things. All of my inspiration comes from nature so when I am not working (or on my computer), I am out frolicking in the woods or walking through philly.

Since I am such a big fan of this earth we live on, you can be sure that my work reflects honoring a greener, sustainable world. you know...so our kids and our kids' kids can enjoy it as much as we do.

namaste.