Lenore Tawney was an American artist who is known for developing new ideas and techniques for creating art using fiber. She made other types of artwork during her life, including drawings, collages, and assemblages.
Fiber is traditionally used to create utilitarian objects, such as clothing, rugs, and pillows. Lenore Tawney used fiber to create sculptural artwork, using an approach that has been named open-warp weaving. Her work helped change the way people think about fiber art.
Tawney’s work was known for being experimental. She learned traditional methods of creating art with fiber, such as weaving on a loom, and discovered her own, unique processes through her art practice.
To be able to experiment, you have to become familiar with the material and learn how it works.
Use yarn or string and try the following:
- Create a braid using three different strands.
- Create a piece of finger knit fabric.
- Invent your own way to use the yarn or string. Can you make something functional? Or something decorative?
Not sure how to braid or finger knit? Check out these tutorials below for step-by-step instructions.