Stories in Wool
Remember the time when Aunt Florence told Uncle Nick there was a goat standing in the peach cobbler, the amazing hairstyles that Elaine donned each decade, and how Grandma Ursula never quite shared her real recipe for meatballs? Did you know you can hear messages from the Universe if you spend more time listening in nature and to animals? The dream I had last night was amazing, in full floral and colors you wouldn’t believe...”
They start with one drawing and a piece of linen followed by two hooks, two needles, a lot of wool and a ton of heart. They are two sisters who love to collaborate and create original pieces by combining their individual styles, imagery, stories and memories.
This collection of collaborative work began in the spring of 2020. Lisa was sketching, creating collages and rug hooking for many years already. Michelle, a lifelong painter, was introduced to needle felting and hooking by her sister a few years ago and has been smitten ever since. Then one day it just happened, sitting side by side, they found themselves working on the same piece. The drawings just started to flow and color planning conversations were had with the understanding that they would be creating these pieces together.
They incorporate textured and hand-dyed woolens and their own hand-dyed roving and wool. Their combined hooked and felted work is full of whimsy, nostalgia, comfort, hope, and love. They are Heart-hooked Sisters and they are telling their stories in wool.
Lisa Bleier & Michelle Cavalcanti grew up in the same house but spending most of their lives apart, and now find themselves in the same city with a shared love of working with their hands and each other. Their work is personal but they hope it touches the hearts of others. If you are standing there smiling or thinking about what story is being remembered or told, they are happy.
Artist: Lisa Bleier & Michelle Cavalcanti, the Heart-hooked Sisters
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HookingFeltingStories
Classes: To accompany this Special Exhibit, we are offering a Gallery Talk, for more information see our Workshop page.