The scale and sculptural quality of
these fibre works were partially influenced by my experiences
creating
for theatre and dance. These works were unique in their genre,
never woven or knotted. Once basic parameters
were established (width, length and spines) the fibres were
laid out strand-by-strand on a specially designed work table.
Colour
choices were made as the work developed.
The spines (milled and painted wood) acted as
armatures and were manipulated to shape and define the work; that
is, height, angle and volume. A special suspended grid system was
installed in the studio ceiling, giving a range of attachment points.
The largest installation was
a commissioned work for the Metro Toronto Reference Library,
titled Lyra. The
work hung in the lobby from 1981 to 2004. It has recently been
removed to allow for cleaning and maintenance.