The stories behind the rugs
PRAIRIE TALES
All work is original designs, my own and some in collaboration with my husband and creative partner Richard Gorenko.
Twister
2021, 31 x 23.5 in, rug hooking, wool, silk, mohair on linen
SOLD by Slate Fine Art Gallery
Hooking Twister
A drive in the prairies is the perfect opportunity to witness the varied palettes, textures, and moods of the variable sky.
Tornados are a common occurrence on the prairies. A twister in a prairie sky is a symphony of movement and drama, a powerful force of nature that commands attention.
Every summer we see several dust devils or are near storm systems that will produce hail and possible tornado activity.
The many colours and qualities of a prairie sky evoke a multitude of emotions, from inner calm to a sense of foreboding.
While it is advised to shelter in place or view weather events from a distance, it seems evident that, given the current climate issues, severe weather events (and images) are front of mind as newsworthy events and overarching cultural and social concerns.
A tornado, or twister, is a powerful swirling mass of dust and debris, scooping up whatever lies in its path.
Severe weather connotes sombre tones like a grainy video captured this weather event.
I chose to portray this by using shades of grey and black wool and silk for the tornado and flecks of red silk to depict the swirling debris.
For the sky, I wanted to create a sense of calm in contrast with the high energy of the tornado. Custom-dyed wool cloth, roving and silk create variations of texture and colour in the sky.
A twister in a prairie sky is a dramatic symbol and a powerful force of nature that commands respect and attention.
Twister is SOLD and in a private Canadian collection. Twister image is included in the Rug Hooking Magazine Publication, Hooked Skies.
Lake Life
This rug is based on countless memories of summers at the lake. With each loop I hooked, I was taken back to the smells, colours, textures, and seemingly endless sunny days.
The boat ride was the highlight of the day, it was an opportunity for adventure, connection, time alone with grandparents, fishing, waterskiing, discovering new areas, a trip to the store, letting your hand flow through the water, sunburns, lost hats, fresh perspectives, blue skies, lovely air, wet dog, and well, solitude. As I said, countless memories. What are your memories of life at the lake? Leave a comment below, I’d love to hear from you.
This rug is an original design created in collaboration with Richard Gorenko, 2021, 34 x 28 in., wool, silk and mohair hooked on rustic linen.
Rose in Spring
Rose in Spring, 2022, 21″ x 21″, silk, wool, mohair, hooked on rustic linen.
Spring energy is rising and bringing the long-awaited renewal of life and warmer weather.
Climate change is a concern and to see newly sprouting seeds and the healthy return of buds opening to reveal green leaves and blossoms is a sign of hope and anticipation of an abundant harvest come fall. And of course baby animals and birds are a joy..
Rose rabbit is an ambassador for a healthy planet and she is particularly happy to see the beginnings of new and returned life on the prairies.
This delightful rug is perfect for any wall and brings with it the bright, exciting energy of spring renewal.
Rose In Summer
Rose in Summer 2022, 21″ x 21″, wool, silk and mohair hooked on rustic linen.
The good old summer time the high, hot energy of summer brings with it sunny skies, holidays at the cottage, and plenty of time in the water.
A healthy lake with a clean water source stocked with fish is a blessing.
Rose rabbit is an ambassador for a healthy planet and she is particularly happy to see the clear blue water and is looking forward to diving in any minute now.
This rug is a beauty the glistening water takes you back to the glorious feeling of summer, and the seemingly endless days of warmth and sun.
Rose in Fall
Rose in Fall, 2022, 21″ x 21″ wool, silk, and mohair hooked on rustic linen.
In the fall the earth’s energy heads downward, into the earth. We begin to quiet down, leaves fall and energy returns to the ground, allowing for renewal and rest. The root vegetables thrive and an abundant crop yields food for the cold winter months ahead.
We humans, begin to move indoors and slow down preparing for winter, gathering our warmer clothes, and planning indoor activities, gathering our nuts so to speak.
This is the perfect rug for any room, the warm colours conjure the feeling and the scent of fall.
Rose in Winter
Rose in Winter, 2022, wool, silk, and mohair hooked on rustic linen.
Winter is the quietest season, we are cozy at home and when we go out we are bundled up. A beautiful prairie winter day offers a healthy snowfall creating a brilliant field of white with a stunning blue sky and sunshine.
The fresh crisp air is refreshing, supporting our energy reserves as we prepare to emerge in spring.
This luxurious rug is beautiful on a wall in any room and adds beauty and a story to ponder.
Healing Light Meets Planet Earth
This luxurious rug is concerned with the physical as well as the divine nature of life. An earthly blue circle floats in an ephemeral sea of white, representing resilience and perfection.
Wanting to create an ethereal experience, I stepped outside the box, using strips of silk rather than traditional wool strips and hooking them in a manner close to rya rug knots used in weaving.
Healing Light Meets Planet Earth 2023, 22 x 22”, silk hooked on rustic linen. Designed and hooked by Nancy Crites
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