The current exhibition at our local Art Gallery features three forms of weaving...native basket weaving, Guatemalan backstrap weaving and traditional loom weaving. Last week we watched demonstrations by three local weavers.
Ruth Brighouse, a local Doctor, makes regular trips to Guatemala to teach midwifery. She is learning to weave with local artisans, women who have mastered the ancient craft of backstrap weaving. While one end is attached to an upright support, the weaver uses a belt and her body weight to apply tension is to the weaving.
Gudrun Weisinger is a master weaver who completed her masters degree in Germany 50 years ago. She showed us how to create a sample pattern in linen thread on this multi-faceted loom. The detail in her works is amazing.
Patricia, the daughter of Delores Purdaby, a well known native basket weaver, explained the process of harvesting and preparing cedar roots. The outer layer is removed from the root before it is sliced into thin strips. Before weaving the strips are soaked for several hours to ensure that they are pliable.
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