Beautiful, Majestic Grandmothers of the Forest – Guest Blogger: Sheila Asdal

Level 3 Advanced Studies in Experimental Stitch – Class Name: Bachelor Buttons – Blog 6 in a Series of 8

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Machine Stitched Binding © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Front Cover – Much More Than Wood © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Bark – Painted Interfacing and Machine Stitching © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Detail Stumpwork Caterpillar © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Moth Stitched Separately and Appliqued © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Detail Moth – Wool Crewelwork © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Handstitched Spider Hides Egg Sack © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Hand Appliqued Woodpecker © Sheila Asdal

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  Acer Macrophyllum Book – Many Functions of the Tree © Sheila Asdal

The inspiration for my pieces is the old, Big Leaf Maples. These beautiful, majestic grandmothers of the forest nurture birds, insects and animals, as well as providing things for humans other than wood. With fabric and thread, I work to create the textures of runneled bark and plush moss. I use hand dyed fabric and threads, as well as commercial materials. Light and shadow are always a challenge to portray, but are one of the fascinations when walking through the woods. Because we often take trees for granted, and as more and more green spaces disappear due to the felling of old trees, I am endeavoring to show through stitch a close-up view of bark, leaves, moss and the interdependence of the flora and fauna. Both machine and hand stitch are used to create the subject matter.

My artistic journey at the Gail Harker Center has given me many different techniques in stitch, use of colour, texture, value, and has taught me to persevere and push through difficulties. A very important lesson is to value ‘art time’ and to set priorities. For me, art is not only an important mode of expression, but it feeds my soul. Sheila Asdal