About the Artist... and Credits
| Wendy's Bio , Awards ... and credits |
| I am a self-taught fiber artist living on a remote homestead in Alaska. I specialize in arashi shibori (a Japanese art of folding and tying silk on poles) and Ori Nui (sewing through many layers) and then dyeing it. All work is done by hand, from flat white silk. My work ranges from finely textured scarves and stoles which I sell at juried shows to painted wall hangings and sculpted pieces for display. I accept commissions for any creative dye work. Shibori is an ancient craft, using a huge number of techiques. My work is an exciting blend of precision and chaos. The pattern and texture of the pieces, though painstaking hand folding, is carefully controlled in tiny detail. However, the application of multiple dyes means the colors are unpredictable and surprising. I introduce unexpected elements in the fibers' textures; tying in pebbles, marbles and blocks to create molded silk around which the colored dyes flow and iridescent patterns emerge. In traditional Japanese Shibori the texture is removed to finally reveal fabulous patterns on a flat surface. However, in most of my work the pleats and folds are made to stay, allowing depth and light to enhance the myriad color blends and patterns. I recently started painting on silk and have produced a broad spectrum of wall art, enjoying using many different techniques. I like to produce art that reflects my experience of Alaska, as well as abstracts that play with vibrant color and movement. I am often inspired by the natural surroundings and the seasonal colors of the dramatic Alaskan landscape (many pieces resemble natural phenomena), but in contrast, I also regularly infuse an edgy, urban feel to my work. Variety and constant change punctuate each of my pieces. Bio: I reside in a rustic log cabin in the remote and beautiful mountains beside the Matanuska glacier in Alaska. A British national, I have spent fifteen years as a mountain guide in high altitudes on four continents, guiding the old silk routes in the Pamirs and Karakorum mountains; as well as the Himalaya, Atlas, Alps and Pyrenees. Each winter I traveled to Alaska to mush huskies in my favorite wilderness. In 1997 I crossed the continent, from Atlantic to Pacific, with a dog team in one single journey - 4,350 miles - it has to be a record. Working with dyes and fibers I love to be heading into the unknown, taking huge risks and going somewhere no one lese has been. I want to be bolder and wilder in both my ambition and my vision. I also get huge satisfaction from pursuing an exquisitely high standard in my work. I want to continue to improve technically. I believe this is the best way to support further artistic exploration. I love teaching others (in workshops) and seeing my enthusiasm reflected in their own achievements. I love the exchange of ideas and inspiration that comes from working with others and I always learn something unexpected from my students. My journey with silk art is not unlike those of my life as a mountain guide; I loved venturing towards that ever-elusive horizon. The quest never ends... Wendy Smith-Wood shibori artist and silk painter AWARDS: Rasmuson Foundation, Individual Artist Award, 2010. Anchorage Museum Earth Fire and Fibre, Juror's Award 2009. CREDITS: Clark Mishler took most of the photos Guthrie Straw took several Thanks to the amazing and beautiful models: Alana, Bonny, Nikki, Olivia and Sarah. |
 |