I love all the tools of weaving, but most especially I love looms. I have never met a loom I did not want to bring home. Looms are simple, elegant, and powerful mechanical devices. They use a binary system similar to computers and are the industrial precursor to the computer age. As a weaver, I am connected to the search for comfort and beauty through innovation and industry.

I love the feel of wool as it moves through my hands connecting me to land, shepard and sheep. We have been covering ourselves in this soft miraculous fluff since before 3000 BCE. In addition to wool Wood-Lusk rugs are supported on a sub-structure of linen warp threads derived from the flax plant. Flax has been cultivated for cloth for 30,000 years. This ancient combination of plant and animal fiber for cloth is fundamental.

The process of creation is mysterious. I keep meticulous records of every dye formula, structure, and fiber that I use. Despite this control and planning the moment the rug comes off the loom there is fearful hesitation. Will the design and craft complete the intention? For now, the thrill of success keeps me going.

I began my weaving journey at the Weavers Guild of Greater Cincinnati during a chance encounter. I entered the Guild House, and suddenly I was a weaver! The dye room, the spinning room, the weaving room, oh yes! I now own a herd of large rug looms, and my fiber hoard might need an intervention. I met McCrystle Wood at the Guild and we became creative collaborators. Together we bounce and bump about; two different brains headed toward one artistic vision. The fuel of our collaboration is boundless energy, optimism and a genuine love for the work. I believe in the work.