Stephanie Perkins

Spruce

24 x 24 x 1"

Fabric on Hand-Carved Panel

$460

Spruce is a black bear rendered in green fabric, reflecting the woodland he calls home. Layered contours suggest the density of his fur, while his brown eyes hold a quiet, steady presence.

Artist's Statement:

I work in fiber, primarily using kimekomi, a technique in which fabric is tucked into carved grooves to create line, texture, and form. In some pieces, I paint the fabric beforehand using gel plate printing to create surface designs. I’m drawn to fabrics with texture and a slightly worn or imperfect appearance, which add depth and character to the work.

My subject matter is almost entirely animals. A long-standing connection to animals, especially horses, shapes both what I choose to depict and how I approach the work.

I learned kimekomi from my mother and come from a long line of fiber artists. Texture, material, and form are central to my process, and I use them to convey the presence of the animals I observe.