Artist:
Mary Townsley
Bio:
I began weaving tapestry in 2021, after I retired from a career as a scientist and administrator. I have always been drawn to imagery – the structure, form and color of objects and beings in my world. My forays into art over the years have included painting and photography to capture those concepts. I find that tapestry is a more immersive, somewhat meditative practice that allows me to “paint” with fiber and create art forms inspired by my surroundings.
Artist Statement:
The inspiration for this piece was the impact of Hurricane Helene on western North Carolina. I had been in Asheville, NC the week before the storm hit. I visited a shop in the River District – which ultimately incurred severe flooding with Helene – and purchased a box of Leicester Longwool locks. The aftermath of the storm, the flooding and loss of life, prompted me to design and weave this piece. I chose to include reflections of an iron bridge in water, a wash of red reminding me of the lost lives and wove in some of the Longwool locks reminding me of Asheville and the flood debris.
Techniques Used: Handwoven tapestry
Materials: Wool weft, primarily bundles of Faro singles with the inclusion of Leicester Longwool locks in a few places Linen warp
Measurements: 27" x 12.5" x .4"
Inspiration:
Screenshot
Additional Image:
