When the inspiration for a new weaving arrives, my heart flutters with anticipation. Unnamed at the time, Graceful Growth was born of July’s beach picnics and gentle waves caressing the shoreline. The shape of the tapestry and color palette flow freely: a gradient from soft turquoise, foamy green to cream.

I begin the under-over rhythm as I weave an undulating foundation that sets the tone. The fringe is next; I build up texture and contrast with each layer. Working upwards, each row adds to the tapestry’s story and my own.

A few meditative hours pass and I can sense the inspirational flow shifting—it’s time for a break. Some pieces call me back the next day, some the next week. This piece is unique in that it was a full season when I came back to it…life (and Luminous Gallery | Studio) needed my attention.

With excitement, I greeted the loom once again in November and sensed there was a slightly different color palette being called forth: rich teals and earthy greens. A few rows from the previous session were removed, a reminder that allowing myself to deconstruct and begin again is a gift.

Another season passes, it’s March, winter has receded, buds are teasing the relaxed soil. Over the past months, I’ve gazed at the loom, waiting for that magnetic pull. There’s a new color arriving, deep terra cotta. I can feel the upward pulse of Spring and now the yarn is flowing quickly between the warp threads. Layers and layers of color and texture coming to life and then the name arrives… whispered upon a warm spring breeze: Graceful Growth.

Luminous Gallery and Studio can be found at Cannery Landing in Friday Harbor.