As an artist I am drawn to themes of repetition and evidence of change. I am fascinated by subtle marks that suggest something else that is there or has been there. The Japanese form of bound resist dying called Shibori speaks to both of these ideas. All of my scarves, shawls, and apparel are individually made using one or more types of shibori. Arashi Shibori is a pole-wrapping technique which creates pleats and varying patterns on silk. Itajime Shibori is a folding and clamping technique which creates dyed shapes on fabric.
While my inspirations and process allow me to approach my work as art, I am a firm proponent of sewing as a craft. One of my goals in making clothing is to highlight how little sewing is valued.
Creating and selling Shibori has been my livelihood for 20 years. I have a BFA in Fiber Art from the University of Washington. I work in my home studio with some physical assistance and much encouragement from my husband, Allen Olson. We live in Olympia, Washington with our two sons where we enjoying cooking, our garden, and a relatively slow-paced lifestyle.
