My art friend Marsha once defined my style as complex primitive. I rejoiced to hear that.
I have worked for years evolving complexity in my work. Initially I used it to create greater energy in the compositions. Today, I employ the techniques to give depth. I work to express hope and love in my art. Complexity helps the viewer find a comfortable starting point.
Primitive shapes are my starting point because I cut out designs far more often than draw them. I like simple shapes as a distillation, the removal of specific qualifiers to create a more universal image.
In this stole for Lent, the hand dyed fabric is quiet in tone but complex in pattern. The raw edge appliqued cross suggests reflective and penitent thought. The message is clear, but merits more than one look.