Tracy Jamar – Rock Squares: Finding Solace in Isolation
During the Covid confinement of 2020, Tracy Jamar thought of how one’s home is your rock—a place one goes when seeking safety, security and stability. In December 2019, a couple of years after her husband’s death, she decided to sell their home, little realizing what was coming.
Needing to drastically downsize she tossed her randomly collected rocks into the woods. When the idea of inserting the rocks in a project came to her, she went out and recollected them. Using various fabrics, items and textile techniques Tracy explored a variety of design possibilities. The thought to use the rocks in her work allowed her to take a bit of the home with her.
This collection features the historic shirring techniques: chenille, bias, pleated, and bundled, as well as other standing wool and coiling techniques. Along with knitting, appliqué, beading, found objects and yes, hooking.
Artist: Tracy Jamar
Tracy has had over 30 years experience as a restorer and conservator working primarily with American antique textiles. Moving to New York City from Minnesota in 1979 she became head of textile restoration for the America Hurrah Gallery, opening her own restoration studio in 1985. In 2006 she returned to college to complete an undergraduate degree, graduating in 2009 from Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. After which she committed her time to creating contemporary fiber works exploring various techniques using a combination of new, old, repurposed and non-traditional materials.
Tracy was the Keynote speaker and a teacher at the ATHA 2019 Biennial in Denver, Colorado. She taught at Green Mountain Rug School in 2018 and 2023 and other locations. She wrote Coils, Folds, Twist and Turns: Contemporary Techniques in Fiber 2017 and taught at Sauder (2016) in anticipation of the publication of her book. The book followed and was inspired by working with antiques textile dealer Jan Whitlock on their book, American Sewn Rugs: Their History with Exceptional Examples 2012 about antique rugs using various sewing techniques before rug hooking became popular. They had an exhibit at Sauder Village in 2013 where Tracy also gave a short workshop on shirring techniques.
She received “Best Mixed Media” (2014), and “Best Sculpture” (2020) for shirred pieces in the Guild Hall Members’ Art Exhibit, East Hampton, NY. Tracy’s works have been shown in juried and invitational exhibits including the Farnsworth Art Museum’s “Beyond Rugs!” where her piece, “Land Parcels Quad” was used on the exhibit poster. She has received two Awards of Excellence from the Surface Design Association, as well as Juror’s Choice from the Newtown Hooked Art Show and Juror’s Choice in Hooked Art 2014. Tracy has also appeared on HGTV with Mary Emmerling and twice as a guest on Martha Stewart Living TV show. Several of her articles have been in Rug Hooking Magazine and the ATHA magazine.
Website: TracyJamar.com
Classes: To accompany this Special Exhibit, we are offering a Retreat and Gallery Talk. For more information see our Retreat and Workshop page.