A fine art

                                         

                                                               PROCESS

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   Traditional knotted netting, commonly known as fish netting, is an obscure fiber technique and my passion. In the past, I felt limited by the mainstream utilitarian marine usage of nets, such as seine nets or lobster trap heads. Using new and different fibers has precipitated changes in my work over more than 40 years. When I happened upon a tiny handmade needle in my husband's great-grandmother's antique tools, the metamorphosis began. Each knot is formed over a toothpick. Through trial and error, I designed a way to shape and stiffen each piece. Discovering the ability to make minute lace-like netting led me to design original patterns inspired by nature, including sea life, flowers, bugs and birds into three dimensional works of art. I continue to explore this ancient technique and stretch the contemporary boundaries of traditional knotted netting.

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     In netting these creations, I strive to capture the ethereal and serene aesthetic. I invite you to come into the quietude of nature, repetition, and the minute.

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     Every creation is produced one at a time with quality and care. These are not mass produced. The artist's hands are the primary machine and creativity, the fuel. Each piece of art is individual and unique.

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                                                             MY STORY  

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   My husband's great-grandmother taught me the basics of netting over 30 years ago when she was 92 years old. We both made nets for a marine supply company. I then started designing wearabIes such as bags, scarves, etc. After discovering the tiny metal needle in Gram's stash of netting supplies, I started experimenting with netting on a very small scale resulting in these sculptures.

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   Unlike crochet or knitting, knotted netting is more closely related to lace-making.  Because of its uniqueness, I especially cherish the fact that netting was passed down to me along with the handmade tools. I strive to keep utilitarian fish netting contemporary as it becomes more obscure.

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Stephanie

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