KAREN
HENDERSON
TEXTILES AND NATURE
Karen Henderson is a textile artist based in the United States. Her
work reflects her wide-ranging interests and the nature that is around
her. See more at http://www.karenhendersonfiber.com
Burning Off. Linen, Cotton and silk organza fabrics, shibori dye,
color removal, cut out, and hand stitching. 2012. Private Collection.
Evening’s Solace. Hemp and linen fabrics, dye, color removal, with raw silk and linen fabrics, with machine and hand stitching. 2009. 63.5”w x
27”h. 2009. Permanent Collection of The University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT.
In my work, I am interested in
the connections between self,
place, emotion and time. Seasons,
atmospheres and the time of day
intrigue me. I try to recreate these
natural occurrences, evoking
emotions that I associate with them
through the use of color, line, and
texture.
I use different dye techniques
(batik, shibori, color removal, rust
print) as well as sewing with my
weavings and fabric pieces. I draw
lines by stitching with thread.
Dimension is added with tucks,
layers, or other manipulations of
fabric. The lines suggest landscape
or other aspects of nature. Lately
I’ve been experimenting a bit with
more mixed media techniques like
textured acrylics, inks, and monoprints in combination with the
textile techniques.
Many of the ways I work are
very contemplative, encouraging
Dreams: Residue. Hemp-linen fabric; shibori, dye painting, color
removal, colored pencil, with hand stitching. 14”h x 14”w. 2014.
introspection; while other
processes like dyeing and mixed
media approaches are more
spontaneous and unpredictable. I
try to find a balance between the
two approaches, hoping to capture
those ephemeral, fleeting moments
of time that inspire me.
Often the subconscious takes
over, without intention, adding the
qualities of imbued memory and
emotion. Nature brings a sense of
calm and allows childlike wonder to
return…even if briefly in this busy
modern life we share. (why I often
forget this simple fact eludes me,
but I am grateful to be reminded
over and over).
thunder rumbling and the crackle
of lightening…it’s all so good and
beautiful.
Sounds in nature that trigger a
deep feeling of belonging in my
heart are peeper frogs singing in
early spring. The deafening chorus
of all the later frogs, crickets and
locusts remind me of childhood
summer nights, and times as an
adult living in the woods.
As nature calms me, similarly the
activities of weaving and stitching
are also very soothing. The
repetitive nature is a method for
me to mark time, and be present.
There are certain smells in nature
I love…pine needles…rain in the
woods - that earthy mushroom
dampness…autumn leaves’ rotting
richness…the summer-sweet
apricot fragrance of hay scented
ferns…loons calling at dusk,
Wishing While Fishing. (from ‘Islands for Sale’ series) Hemp and cotton fabrics; shibori, dye, acrylic, with hand stitching. 16”h x 26”w each. 2016.
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http://www.karenhendersonfiber.com
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