Imagine Natures Palette! Colors reflected in the heat of summer,
the icy cool of winter, the whispering breezes of early spring
and the brilliance of autumn are captured in my work. Influenced
by the subtleties of nature, the movement of light and the richness
of earthly textures, I find inspiration in natural settings. Colors
seen on garden paths and country lanes are featured in my "Fibers
of the Fields" collection. Names like "Brick Path with
Ivy", "Country Road with Day Lilies", and "English
Country Garden" evoke these images and allude to the secrets
of the seasons.
In order to highlight these impressions, I employ the warp face
technique. Using bold contemporary pattern and jewel toned color
with subtle color variations, my wool rugs are woven into tube-like
ridges, creating hints of shadows and illusions of depth resulting
in a three dimensional texture on the woven surface. Rayon accents
are often used to create design highlights and reflections - my
attempt at bringing a little sunlight into the work. For further
interest, hand manipulation at each weft shot creates a moresqued
painterly effect causing movement that simulates light within
the color fields-a pointillism with yarn.
For nine years I lived, worked and taught among the craftspeople
of North Carolina. The rich heritage of mountain crafts coupled
with the exposure to contemporary technique made this an ideal
place to explore design possibilities and perfect my craft. Now
with a studio in the Connecticut countryside, I continue to expand
those techniques with explorations in reflection, bold geometric
design and delicate color tones. Custom work is my specialty and
each work is adapted to the needs of the space and client in a
careful and sensitive manner.
All photographs by Ari Burling
