Sculpture Source

Jane Woolverton working in her studio.

Since the middle ages, owning tapestries has traditionally been a sign of aristocracy or even nobility.  They represented the education and pastimes of the privileged elite.  Whether illustrating biblical and mythological scenes, or the thrills of the hunt, these wall hangings were steeped in the history and myths of their time.  Jane Woolverton’s latest works in Festive Remnants are not inspired by Ovid or Moses, nor do they even have warp and weft, but they can be considered tapestries.  What’s more, they perfectly reflect the sensibilities of this day and age just as their predecessors did.

Light playfully bounces through one, two or three successive sheets of deceptively atmospheric layers.  The layers cast shadows on the back wall that are almost as energetic as is the wildly colored plastic fabric itself.  They seem to vibrate with the anticipation of telling us their narrative – not of past gods, unicorns and hunting dogs, but of abstraction, energy and a still yet to be defined future.  As in the piece, “4th of July,” the explosion of red, white and blue symbolically reflects an age of dynamism and change.

One first sees the textile association, and the repeated, but ever-changing patterns; a pleasing riot of colors, or a more subtle translucent veil, depending on whether Woolverton has painted the plastic refuse or left it as she found it.  Upon approaching –and these are indeed very approachable- the material used suddenly comes into focus: recycled six-pack holders held together with plastic filaments.   It has become fashionable to use recycled materials in sculpture, but Woolverton surprises because she is able to transcend the material not simply into other shapes or functions, but into another emotional place.

The works in Jane Woolverton’s, Festive Remnants, yearn to tell us a narrative unlike those ever found on the woven wall adornments of previous ages.  It is one of energy, playfulness, fluidity and change.  What tapestry could be more reflective of this day and age?

Since they are so incredibly difficult to capture photographically, come and see them in person!