Fiber Arts For A Cause: Leaf Tales One

Leaf Tales One
9" X 12"
leaf prints (wisteria and dove-foot geranium), printed and woven cottons, raw silk, beads

Virginia Spiegel has been ne of my heroes for quite a few years. Not only do I like her art I admire her fund-raising efforts on behalf of cancer research. To date, she has raised a whopping $240,000. for cancer research through the efforts of her group "Fiber Arts For A Cause" (FFAC). 

This year - and Virginia swears that it may be her last year - she will be raising $10,000 in ONE day. For all of the details on she plans to accomplish this amazing feat and for a list of the amazing artists who are involved have a look at "the 100" FFAC page HERE.

When I was asked to participate I have to admit that every one of my insecurities surfaced. As I looked at the list of well know textile artists names my mind became blank. For just awhile, I came close to withdrawing! Foolish I guess, but insecurity is well-honed in my psyche.

Ultimately, I looked towards some of my favorite leaf prints from this past summer as my initial inspirations. The leaves are "printed" (steamed) onto raw silk. My aim was to show that something as ephemeral as a leaf can be a long lasting reminder of the strength of nature. This piece is 9" X 12" and is mounted to an art board.

I hope that some of you will consider participating in this event. I can't think of any families that I know of who have not, in some way, been touched by the pain of the dreadful scourge of cancer. We all really can make a difference- each in their own way.

sectional close-up