Fiber Folk Explosions

I think some of the most important work, both contemporary and historically, has been a reflection of the global environment.
Michele Kong's Gossamer Balls (upper left) are seemingly giant dandelions, waiting for God to make a wish. The contrast of organic versus synthetic is a profound reflection of environmentalism by whimsical means.

Maine artist Karen Gelardi stitches representations of natural objects together to dissect human interaction with nature. The image to the right is of an inverted tree made from tubing and Gelardi's prints on fabric. I felt this image was especially poignant with the dismantled limbs and the ladder in the background. Though her finished pieces are much more subliminal and open to interpretation, to me, this image symbolizes the ironic dichotomy of man and the environment.