Sometimes I have a hard time leaving home, particularly if I have to fly and especially if I have to leave my three cats whom I consider my treasures. However, once I arrive at my destination, I am full steam ahead with enthusiasm and energy. Today I went to the Shelburne Museum near Lake Champlain in Vermont. I love going to this museum. There is always something of interest in the new exhibits. Today I found three that captivated me, and Patty Yoder’s hooked rugs completely drew me in and held me in a way that was totally unexpected. I came to see her, but primarily the quilts of Florence Peto, whom I will discuss in another post. This photo above is a self-portrait of Patty Yoder, and her story is one of incredible focus, imagination, devotion, and love. My thoughts, since I left the museum, have been preoccupied with her art and her stories.
This is a series of small rugs she designed and made.
Her words: “I am in love with wool. I love to bury my hands in the living wool of our beloved Border Leicester sheep. I love the feel and smell of new sheared wool when I gather it into bags as our shearer does his work. I love the yarn produced from each individual fleece. But most of all I love the glorious pieces of dyed wool fabric stacked by color waiting for the perfect spot in a hooked rug I will create.”
M is for Moonlight, a Woman of Unusual Self-Esteem, 1993
There is a story, a captivating and endearing and soul-deep story to all of her rugs. As I walked into the room where her rugs hung on the walls, I was a little taken back by my thoughts and emotions. Here resided magic, a person who loved her craft to an immense depth. I took the journey into her art and life, pausing in steps forward and back until I had seen them all. It is almost inconceivable that this woman created 44 rugs between 1992 – 2005. She was prolific in part, I think, because she had found a focus that encompassed all that was dear to her. What a parting gift to the world, hers and ours.
This piece above was the rug that Patty made to honor the woman she claimed as her muse, Esther Knipe, a self-taught rug hooker that fueled Patty’s inspiration.
Each of her rugs represents the subjects in her life that gave her meaning and joy, her family, friends, and sheep. To see this collection in a single room invites one to share in an intimacy, an artistic spirit that encompassed joy, compassion, and honesty. I walked away feeling as if I had just met an amazing woman and certainly an incredible artist.
Note: Sometimes as I move along in this new format and focus I will feature contemporary textile artists. I feel this is an important aspect of my journey as I go forward. Anything related to textile art serves a purpose of worth and inspiration for me. Tomorrow I will feature the works of Florence Peto, her quilts as well as her antique quilt collection.
i like your new focus, it contains textile and story which is my favorite combination.
These are incredible! Love the post, it’s interesting and inspiring.
Wow, her work is extraordinary as is your description of her work. I enjoyed reading your blog entry and looking at the beautiful work through my own eyes and your words!
Hi, These hooked creations are wonderful. I especially like the “old lady”. These transcend portraits and have a depth and stoicism about them. I know it is a strange choice of words but how it seems to me. Patty Yoder is an inciteful portrait painter. What a find.
Oh, the “kittens” said that they feel that they know you and can they call you “Auntie”?
i am enchanted with her work-thanks for sharing.
What an amazing and prolific artist. The way you write and convey your feeling about this artist is wonderful. ..as well as your photos.
I like your new focus and hope that you will also be showing your own art.
Vermont is a great state especially this time of year.