Donna Ritter:  Artist Statement

I have always played with fibers since I was very young, starting out with embroidery, and moving on to needlepoint, knitting, and finally weaving.  I have always been drawn to the feeling of fibers in my hands and enjoy seeing how different fibers and colors interact with each other through their interlacements in a weave structure.   I love to watch something grow beneath my hands to become something that is both beautiful and functional.  I am inspired by the structures and colors that I see around me in nature, in architecture, and in machinery.  

The woven material above was inspired by a vintage red and white convertible.  The weave structure is "shadow weave", which imparts a sense of depth to the material, just as the juxtaposition of white against red did in the car's interior design.  It's fascinating to see how using color can change perspective as in the shadow weave, or can look different when juxtaposed with other colors, as in iridescent fabric.

Lately, I have been interested in exploring sculptural forms including woven metal jewelry, basketry, and I am even playing with other art media, including pastels and paint.   More to come......!