BEHIND THE SCENES - HOPEFUL
Hopeful by Katie Berman
2020
I put my hands to one of my biggest tufted works to date and, boy, was it fun! I have been itching to bust out my larger frame with the hopes of using up larger cones of yarn that have been sitting on my shelves for some time. I think it’s safe to say it was a success!
This bad boy took me over 27 hours to complete. With all that time spent with this one piece, I found myself reflecting on the style of work that I do and wondering why I’m drawn to it. Each of my works seem to teeter on a balance between high looped pile protruding out from areas of flat texture. It’s as if someone came and dug out certain areas to reveal something underneath the surface. The juxtaposition is always drawing me in.
Hopeful, detail by Katie Berman
2020
While making this work, I had an “aha!” moment. A moment where I could see the line of connection between my past and current work. Almost 10 years ago while in uni, I created a skirt made up of little squares. These squares were made with several layers of fabric that I cut away to reveal the layer underneath. I loved making this piece.
Bubble Skirt, detail by Katie Berman
2011
What I realized in that moment is that I have a fascination with uncovering layers. Of searching for what’s underneath. I think I hold this belief that in almost all things when you take a closer look and search deeper, you’ll find something interesting. Or lovely. Or pleasing. Even when the outside is considered boring or possibly ugly. I realized that when I dig to reveal the other layers I am hopeful. Hopeful to find that things are not always what they seem. And maybe they’re better deep down.
I remember feeling that hopefulness when I created the skirt. I wanted each layer to be seen, represented and remembered. That what was seen as the outermost layer was not the only thing making up the square. Even though my work now is waaaay different than my work 10 years ago, It’s crazy to see that I’m still creating from the same place. A place of hopefulness.
May we hold onto hope and take the time to see things beyond their surface.
- KB
