Wendy Cumberland was one of our participating artists this year for PreShrunk.
While putting together the show this year we had reached out asking artists to share with us a little about them and their practice.
Read below to see what Wendy had to say about her work!
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| Still available PreShrunks from Wendy, $175 each! |
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| Still available PreShrunks from Wendy, $175 each! |
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"I love the idea of slowing down. I love creating something new from what once was something else. I love the feel and smell of wool, and the idea of making something from almost nothing. Rug hooking—modest and unassuming, sometimes elaborate—always offers time for pause."
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| Wendy at home working on a rug hooking project. |
"I rug hook in the quiet of my home using simple materials, primarily wool sourced from local second-hand stores. I clean, felt, and cut the wool by hand or on my old Rigby cutter."
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| "Cutting on my old Rigby" |
"I also use wool yarn from the local Briggs & Little woollen mill, and occasionally use wool dyed from a local rug hooking shop. I work with a small hook, a lap frame and a backing of linen or burlap. My rugs often feature distinct patterns of my own design, usually outlined in black to provide structure and definition. I prefer to finish the edges wrapped with wool yarn. I often hang my rugs on driftwood found along the New Brunswick shores. Each step takes time and insists that I move slowly and methodically."
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| "My wool cupboard" |
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| One of Wendy's work in progress rug hookings. |
Rug hooking follows a long personal history of quilting, weaving, and knitting. In my early years, I studied Home Economics Education with a major in textiles, as well as Art Education. During my undergraduate degree, I had the opportunity to complete a year-long weaving program at the New Brunswick Craft College, along with a term focused on the history of Loyalist textiles in New Brunswick.
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| One of Wendy's work in progress rug hookings |
My earliest memories include working with my hands— I suppose it was my way of stepping back from the world as a child and teen. I also remember trips to the Briggs & Little Mill in York Mills, New Brunswick, visiting with my father to purchase wool for knitting.
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| One of Wendy work in progress rug hookings. |
Now, as a newly retired teacher, I have greater opportunity to create. Like many things in life, I expect my style will continue to evolve with practice.
Follow this link
HERE to see all the
still available works from this years PreShrunk!
