Judith Allen, weaver, feltmaker

     Lake Ozark, Missouri

Artist Statement:

            Weaving has been a part of my life for the past 36 years. I first studied art, at the Des Moines Center for the Arts. I was primarily a painter. I loved color and shapes; I drew and sketched, then painted everything I saw. I loved sketching and painting the human form... I then went on to study sculpture and pottery. I spent every minute I could find, at the Art Center. There, just out of curiosity, I took my first Weaving class from a Swedish instructor and I was hooked for life. I loved the idea that I could take colors that I used in paints and now use fiber instead. I liked the idea that I could incorporate sculpture and fiber to create three dimensional arts for both fun and function. It was now opening a whole new world to me in my pursuit of the arts. Everything from tapestries, wall hangings, rugs, clothing sculptural creations with fibers. Weaving and felting fills my days and my mind is constantly creating something new and exciting. I have studied art and fiber art throughout the United States and abroad, through Universities, Schools of Arts & Crafts and individual fiber artists. I am a full time artist and only participate in juried shows or galleries.

 I weave and felt art clothing, functional pieces for the home, reproduction coverlets, blankets, boldly designed wool rugs, fine linen table runners, elegant silk & merino shawls, various alpaca and mohair ruanas, whimsical hats. I am fascinated and passionate about threads and their infinite possibilities.

  Primarily, I dye many of my own fibers, allowing me to create the precise color. I need to create exactly what I need to create a vision in the final product, for body or home, functional or fun. I often utilize ancient natural dyes, such as indigo, madder, and cochineal.

 My inspirations come from many sources; from those I create series of items that reflect that inspiration. In the past two years, I have created series such as: Vermont Seasons series, Tuscany Inspirations Series, California Crazies Series, Love Bird Series, Water Garden Series, Ozark Mt. Series and Gulf of Mexico Series.  I often use a painting I love and format the colors into fabric.

 My Mission is to create art that is inspirational and pleasurable to the owner. Art, adding comfort and beauty to the home or body.  Art clothing that comes alive when worn.  I believe in making useful, attractive and durable textiles well designed and meticulously executed. I know the things that I make will be in use and a part of someone's life for years to come and perhaps passed down as a family heirloom.

 Each creation is an original design, taken from concept through hand weaving or felting. I complete the entire process through any finishing touches such as beading, stitching or creating a garment.