As a handcrafter, I always strive to make eco-friendly art. I work with wool and natural fibers. I scour thrift stores for old sweaters and silk flowers which I recycle and re-purpose. I remove invasive plant species like dried teasel flower heads for making magic wands, and European beach grass roots for birds' nests. I make needlefelted wall hangings that celebrate the beauty of outdoor places, and hope that my work will help remind folks of their connections with nature. My hope is that the things I make will contribute positively to the world, while having minimal impact upon it.
On an outing with my children to the woods this week, I brought along the Lady of the Forest I had just finished needlefelting so I could photograph her amongst the trees for listing on my Etsy shop. As we drove along the BLM road to get to the woods, we passed through this clearcut. I was suddenly struck by the idea of photographing the Lady of the Forest on a stump in the middle of the clearcut. It felt as though this little woolen lady had something to say. The idea and the image said a lot to me, and I wondered what it would say to other folks out there. I think that art says a lot all on it's own, but when we set it against the back-drop of real life, it can say a lot more. I'm sure we've all seen a clearcut, and I'm sure we all have our own feelings about them, but perhaps through art, we may see things in a new light, or at least give them more thought.
And here, the Lady of the Forest stands in her home of moss, ferns, salal and trees...
saying something entirely different.
I love this! Very thoughtful post and beautiful photo. She looks to me like she is standing witness.
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