I was recently asked to create a piece for an exhibit, Inspired by Children’s Literature, curated by Maryellen Hains, for the Carnegie Center for the Arts, 107 N. Main St. in Three Rivers, Michigan. The show is a collaborative group showing of over 20+ artists each exploring their childhood memories. My piece, The Little Mermaid Revisited, is hand-made felt created with Australian Merino wool, Wensleydale, wool locks, silk fibers and fabrics, yarns, shells, beads, and bark cloth (tapa). My Artist Statement reads:
Hans Christian Andersen (April 2, 1805 – August 4, 1875) was a Danish author and poet. Although a prolific writer of novels, poems, and plays, Andersen is probably best remembered for his fairy tales. Andersen’s fairy tales, while oftentimes thought of as stories for children, actually present thought-provoking life lessons, touching on issues of virtue and resilience in the face of adversity, tales that transcend age. I am pleased to share with you my take on The Little Mermaid, as presented through my chosen medium of felt and hope that if you live in the area, that you might take the time to visit the Carnegie Center for the Arts.