CRITIQUE
OF THE MONTH #12
Tommye
McClure Scanlin
Tree
Fragments 2
tapestry (wool, cotton,
and wood), 12x 38 inches, 2006
same
image as above, reduced
Tommye
McClure Scanlin's Legacy of Operation, Ranch Hand: Tree Fragments
is a highly accomplished tapestry that speaks eloquently to
us, on many levels.
Compositionally, the piece is masterful—balanced and resolved in
a way that keeps the viewer engaged. Tree fragments establish a
powerful web of diagonal thrusts—linear movements zigzag their way
through the space, establishing a rocking rhythm from top to bottom.
These visual tensions are beautifully complemented by unifying relationships
such as a warm/cool color contrast and the tapestry's consistent
weave.
Other visual relationships can be interpreted metaphorically. The
piece has an underlying grid composed of two rows of squares stacked
vertically. This orderly structure is what we tend to crave from
life; but, in contrast, the tree fragments are “imperfect,” individualistic,
and organic. These fragments, like us as individuals, are alive
and flowing in response to their environment and in response to
other entities.
Much
of the artist's recent work focuses directly on the tragic impact
of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War. But in this particular tapestry
from that series, as you have discovered, the story is told in a
more subtle and poetic manner. Textual references, stenciled on
the wooden bar at the top furnish more direct clues to this narrative
(fig. 1).
figure
1
The
background in Scanlin's gridded squares alternate between blue and
orange, establishing a dialogue between cool/healthy and hot/inflamed.
These
environments stand in stark contrast, while tree fragments twist
and meander, negotiating their way between the two states of being.
Steven
Aimone
author
of DESIGN! A Lively Guide to Design Basics for Artists and Craftspeople
(Lark Books, 2004)
CLICK
HERE for information about upcoming workshops taught by Steven Aimone
The Critique
of the Month is edited by Katherine Aimone
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ABOUT
THE ARTIST
from
the website listed below:
Tommye
McClure Scanlin is Professor Emerita at North
Georgia College & State University , Dahlonega, Georgia.
Her tapestries have been exhibited nationally and internationally
since 1990. Exhibits for 2007 include "Southern Yarns," works by
members of Tapestry Weavers South, Main Gallery of the Folk Art
Center, Asheville.
Scanlin's tapestries are shown in various fiber books, magazines,
and catalogs of exhibitions, including the books: Lines in Tapestry
by Kathe Todd-Hooker, Fiberarts Design Book (books I, II and V)
and the art education textbooks, Exploring Art and Teacher Connections.
Awards include Judges Choice at the 2006 Blue Ridge Handweaving
Show and the American
Tapestry Alliance award for a work in "Southern Yarns."
In addition to her studio work, Scanlin is part-time instructor
of weaving at NGCSU . She also
teaches workshops and short classes for John
C. Campbell Folk School (her most recent class there was held
April 1-8, 2007).
In Dahlonega, Scanlin exhibits with the Dahlonega Visual Artists
at the Cannery Gallery. Her work is also found at the Cobblestone
Shoppe Gallery, Rome, GA and at the Globe Gallery, Clayton, GA.
Her tapestry studio is in the Stanton Storehouse, 90 N. Meaders
Street in Dahlonega and may be visited by appointment; she usually
has several tapestries in process all the time and would be happy
to discuss her weaving with guests.
Scanlin is an active member of Tapestry Weavers South and American
Tapestry Alliance . She has been a juried member of Southern
Highland Craft Guild since 1979, is involved with Guild committees,
and participates annually in Guild member exhibits.
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For
more about Tommye McClure Scanlin:
click
here to visit her page on the Southern Highland Craft Guild website
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