Silk and Stone Piece

     What a wonderful day I spent with my precious friend and fellow fiber artist, Beth Bailey!  I cannot say enough great things about her, her work or her hospitality!     Beth has been working on a new series called, "Silk and Stones" which are all based on the cruciform, and have the most unbelievable symbolism woven into each and every piece!  These one of a kind earthy creations are made using hand dyed and raw silks, and are adorned with hammered metal, sea stones, raku beads and other natural elements.  As soon as I saw these new creations, I knew I had to have one!    So a while back I asked Beth if she would make one for me, as a commissioned piece, and she graciously agreed.

     Along with the cruciform shape, I love that these pieces incorporate elements of nature and batik fabrics, and perhaps the most important part for me is the fact that they are interactive.  Most of these pieces have a pocket built in that serves as a "pocket" in which to place a prayer for safe keeping.  I hurried home, and placed several deeply  meaningful and personal prayers in my piece, which is hanging sweetly in my upstairs studio/office, where it can be admired daily.

     Beth, I love it!  My words are not big enough right now, but I can tell you understand how much this means to me.  Thank you again, I will cherish it always!

If you would like to see more of Beth work,  visit bethbailey@artspan.com
or Kala Gallery in Morganton, NC.

This piece just sings in my studio on the muted purple walls. Love it!!!

Detail showing my symbolic raku bead, my hammered copper wire and bead, the beautiful batik and loose weave, and silk fabric, and my all important prayer pocket.