I weave tapestry in the French Aubusson tradition of weaving, from the reverse, or back of the tapestry. I find this technique gives me more control over fine detail and frees me to enjoy more completely the weaving process itself. The tapestry first begins as a graphite sketch, and then is created into a colour sketch, usually done in acrylic, from which the tapestry is based. The colour sketch is made into a black and white technical drawing that is used to guide the tapestry through the weaving process to completion.

The richness and elegance that tapestry gives to an image is unparallel. The tactile quality and complex construction speaks to the medium’s resemblance to that of humanity itself. Built from the ground up warp by weft, each thread dictating where the next will lie. How the piece is begun affects, but does not always dictate what will happen at the end.
A mis-weave in one spot and a mis-colouration in another simply enhances the work’s natural, intricate qualities and serves to create a more interesting piece.

For me, tapestry weaving embodies craftsmanship and distinctiveness in a world fixated on mass production and homogenization.

- blog-

Trena Coulter - artist -

equus-in-aequora

• tapestry
• 13in x 13.5in

Trena Coulter - artist -

psyche

• tapestry
• 13.5in x 13.5in

Trena Coulter - artist -

the treasure hunt

• tapestry
• 50in x 24in

Trena Coulter - artist -

through the looking glass

• tapestry
• 30in x 24in

Trena Coulter - artist -

Who's That Girl

• tapestry
• 17.5in x 20.5in

Trena Coulter - artist -

contemporary-icon

• tapestry
• 51in x 33in