The Weavers' Guild of Rhode Island was founded in 1947. Our goal is to promote the understanding and practice of the art and craft of weaving both for its members and the public. We meet at Slater Mill.

Meetings begin at 10:00 am with Guild business and move on to our speaker at 10:30. We will break for a brown-bag lunch about twelve. Everyone is welcome.

Next Meeting: Saturday, February 4, 2012 Visit to RISD Morning: Textile Design Studio Tour; Afternoon: From the Land of Immortals:Taoist Robes and Textiles with Kate Irvin

Weaver's Retreat April 27-29 on Block Island North Light Fibers. Click the link for full information.

Design New England has an article featuring Saunderstown Weaving School!.

KEYHOLE Installation at ATHM - weaving by Laurie Carlson-Steger
From the darkest distance of the universe, a brilliant crack of light,
Beaming as if pushed through a keyhole.
Reaching to me.

Thinking about the fabric of our universe and distance described in light years, I contemplate the artist's mission to communicate an idea to another being. The language parallels between philosophical beliefs and engineering add intrigue to the concept. I used a communication fiber to create an art piece that is compelling to gaze upon.

Laurie Carlson-Steger Weaving
Front View.
Laurie Carlson-Steger Weaving
Angled View
Fiber optics are monofilament fibers designed to carry communication signals by the principle of total internal reflection. The term total internal reflection is also used to describe a meditative state of Buddha enlightenment.

The artwork, Keyhole, has optical fibers lighting the center of column of the composition giving the piece a focus for meditation. This fabric is thickly woven with linen and cotton (sound dampening) nylon parachute cord(density and stability) and both brass and copper wire (reflectivity, shape memory, conductivity). The wire, helps the piece retain its form, and enables the scattering of reflected light.
Combining the physical properties of the materials in a fabric with an intentional outcome or purpose is what defines an intelligent textile. (click on an image to see a larger view)

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