I attended a short workshop on hand tufting in February of 2023 and immediately wanted to learn more. This process, also known as punch needling, is a process used to make rugs or wall hangings using yarn. This workshop was my first time tufting, but I really enjoyed the repetition involved in the process, and I was instantly drawn to the texture of the medium. I decided I wanted to incorporate this process into my next body of work, which became “Color Punch.” Working with this unfamiliar material and method, and figuring out how to blend it with my abstract painting style, was an exciting new challenge.
As an artist, we can find ourselves falling into creative patterns. You are drawn towards certain colors. You have your favorite brushes you like to use. You like to work in a specific medium or size. I have an assignment for one of my abstract painting classes where I challenge my students to pick an artistic rule or habit they have and purposely break it. Subconsciously, that is what I did here. This body of work allowed me to disrupt the habits I have for myself and enjoy the experience of being a beginner at something. I practice a process called intuitive paining, where I plan very minimally and let my artistic impulses guide me as I create, and I feel very comfortable working this way. Combining this familiar intuitive style with learning a new material was a chance to invigorate my creative practice with new patterns and ways of thinking. The tufting process allowed me to play and experiment, make mistakes, and push my creativity in a new way.
“Color Punch” is my first venture into combining textiles with abstract painting.
“Color Punch” is on display at Lost Dog Gallery in Indianapolis for the month of December 2023.
