ARTIST STATEMENT

Feeling Small

While traveling in 2006, I was able to visit the Giant Redwood Forest in California. I remember how tiny I felt in comparison to my surroundings, and the idea of driving a car through the trunk of a Redwood tree was surreal, like I was in a magic garden. While developing the idea of this piece, I recalled the feeling of being small and wanted to recreate that experience for others. Sharing this magical crochet garden is my way of saying to the community, “Hi - I’ve been wanting to meet you! Nice to see you!” When people walk through “Humongous Fungus,” I want them to pause in that moment and have a fun experience that reminds them of endless possibilities.

My Italian grandmother taught me to crochet bibs when I was eight years old. She crocheted bibs and hats for kids, and that’s how I learned. It was a craft of work, a fiber creation filling a need. I enjoyed both the process and the end result, and now describe myself as a crochet addict. As I grew as an artist, I learned that with some time, most anything can be built with just one hook, connecting one single stitch to another single stitch, creating something that is bigger than life. I still crochet practical items now, but also strive for the ultra-imaginative, the exaggerated, and the move beyond useful in my creations. Crochet allows me to process and connect to reality.