For the last 2 weeks a pattern by www.woolenmemories.net titled "Primitive Pears" has been on my frame. I had collected some terrific golden browns, chocolate browns, sunflower yellows and celery/sage greens and was ready to go to work.
I hook almost everyday at my kitchen table window in a comfy chair. The morning sun slowly streams in and illuminates my wool perfectly.
I can't begin to tell you how important natural light is.....the great artists knew this and sought out the best locations where light streamed through the windows (or the outdoors) to create their works. When I used to live in Hawaii, it seemed that light was never a problem....everywhere was a good location. Since re-locating to Arizona, where people are forced to live behind closed drapes and shutters to keep out the scorching sun so much of the year, I am forever talking to people about lighting it seems.
In my last last two classes with Cynthia Norwood and Karen Kahle both talked of another tool of great importance. Cynthia used a front door peephole glass and Karen had a reducing glass, shown in this photo.
A reducing glass (or a peephole) allows you to view your work from a farther perspective without having to walk across the room. It also allows you to "read" the way your colors are blending together, since things can look quite differently from a distance.
Great Light and great perspective are both invaluable tools for every hooker...and I could not live without either.
Tomorrow is our "March Woolfest" at the monthly meeting of my Mesa Rug Hookers group. One of our local wool dyeing celebrities, Anne Jenkins, will be bringing a great supply of her over-dyed wools and I can't wait ! Time to re-stock !
Comments