Inspired by Tools of the Trade

Carnegie Art Center, Three Rivers, MI, June – August 2010
Artists take their inspiration from a host of sources internal and external, personal and universal,
sacred and profane. . . but one of the many things we have in common is a “connectedness”
with the tools that we use to explore ideas and create our work.

For this exhibition, I asked a group of Kalamazoo area artists to consider their tools in a more conscious way,
to allow their imagination to dwell on the things they use on a daily basis to create their work,
to look at the tools they may take for granted in a new way. . .

Show Statement

Lestra Hazel, The Alpha and Omega of a Mixed Warp Scarf Weaving, installation

Each step in the process of weaving brings excitement and satisfaction. Two of the processes are on display here. The first involves winding yarn from the cone to a warping frame prior to transferring it to the loom in preparation for weaving. The second involves threading the yarn through the reed (a comb-like structure) to assure the width of the woven fabric remains constant. As each of these steps is completed, a better picture of the final woven product comes into being.