Off to South East Asia

Recently I was approached by the US State Department's 'Art in Embassies Program' about putting a tapestry in a new embassy in Timor Leste. They had a specific one in mind that conformed to a few of their concerns. The tapestry had to be under 30" wide (76cm) and weigh under 10 pounds. Part of this was that it would go there on a very small plane and there were strict size and weight  limitations.

This one called 'Terra: Wheat and Grass,' is a diptych with each part 27" wide so the size worked as well as the combined weight.

Timor Leste is at the eastern tip of Timor in Southeast Asia. It is a mountainous country that became independent from Indonesia in 2002. There is a very developed textile tradition there as well as the neighboring islands and Indonesia.

The tapestry on on a long term loan. I feel honored to have a piece selected to represent the current American weaving traditions. 

 Here are a few details:

Since this opportunity came up I have learned a lot about the weaving traditions in this part of the world. They are very rich with different techniques and materials, not tapestries but many other narrative forms. Who knows? One day I may try to visit the area. There would be a lot to see and learn about.