We have been using and manipulating fibers for millennia, at least 100,000 years and probably a lot longer. Unfortunately, this organic material doesn’t survive BUT just because we don’t see evidence of it doesn’t mean it didn’t exist or wasn’t used. I will introduce you to felt and to spinning yarn on a spindle and a spinning wheel. While I am spinning, we can discuss the history of fiber, felt and twisted cordage. We can also touch on the importance of these technological innovations to our artistic lives today and in the future.
About the Presenter, Helen Dewolf (in her own words)
I am a tapestry weaver and fiber artist. My undergrad was in Fine Arts from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario in 1977. After working as a fiber artist for a few years (as well as other occupations) I came to grad school at TAMU in Anthropology/Nautical Archaeology in 1987 and graduated with a PhD in 1995. I was employed in the Center for Maritime Archaeology and Conservation in the Conservation Research Lab illustrating archaeological artifacts for publications and conserving artifacts. I retired as chief conservator in 2020.
During the intervening years, I have been weaving tapestries and producing fiber art pieces. I belong to the Brazos Spinners & Weavers Guild (BSWG) and INTERSECTIONS Textile Learning Center & Gallery (ITLC). As a member of both BSWG and ITLC, I have promoted the textile and fibers arts in this area for about 20 years.
Visit Our Artists Webpage to see more of her work! Note: All VAS members can get their own page – just fill out the FORM!
Doors open at DEGALLERY at 5:30pm for our October meeting. There will be light refreshments. Come by, chat and catch up!
