Artwork Description
Leigh Oviatt – Morning in the High Desert
Dimensions: 28 x 25 x 24″ finished size
Year:2024
Medium: hand-woven tapestry, hand-dyed merino wool, and organic cotton color core yarn, hand-felted wool.
I am intrigued by the history, human connection, and value of fiber art in all aspects of everyday life. Weaving is one of the most ancient art forms spanning across cultures, not only bringing beauty into the world but keeping us warm, sheltered, and comfortable. Growing up in Montana, my mother was a weaver who used wheat stalks as her material. Our sinks and bathtub were always full of wheat soaking so it could be pliable enough to create sculptures and wall hangings. Weaving has always been relegated to “women’s work”, and downplayed as a craft. I truly believe that tapestry weaving is not only craft, but fine art.
Weaving is a very slow, thoughtful process and has become my meditation practice. I rhythmically layer multiple textures, colors and shapes line by line to create a modern representation of the ancient art form. The strands of fiber act as my painting and sculptural material. Each piece begins with a bold color palette and naturally unfolds as the colors flow into soft, tactile patterns. The tapestries blend many types of fiber including small batch, kettle dyed Merino wool, Love Fest Fibers sustainably sourced yarn from small, family run workshops in Nepal, Tibet, and New Zealand, and locally sourced hand-dyed, hand-spun wool.