triptych on wood, acrylic, fimo, and fairy lights.

3 8x8 panels

Trees are the flame

to a moth like me

especially in winter

A rooted puzzle

that dances and sways

in endless patterns

Alluring light and shadows,

a breathing presence

in delight of the wind

Could I tickle your puzzle

pieces to shift

with such joyful array?

Can I listen to you

breathe stories

In the depths of your still?

When I put my back against your bark,

will your presence calm

my overworked heart?

I imagine heaven is

reading a book

nestled into your roots

as you weave with the wind

a soul filled tune.

Let us play with ghosts

In the spaces between leaves

And acknowledge there is more

room in the dark

to come alive.

Written by Lafairbanks

about the maker:

Laurie Fairbanks lives in Walla Walla with her 10 year old, one dog, four cats, wild plants, critters and creeks. She is grateful to have a large network of family and close friends who support her work.

The body of work in this space is cotton/linen/woven fabrics sourced from scrap bins and dyed using rusted metal. The chemistry works by wrapping wet material around the metal and accelerating oxidation with vinegar water, then arresting the process with a salt bath. Next the fabric is washed and stretched on frames built to fit each piece much, as a canvas is stretched on a frame. Then the process of visualizing and embroidery begins. Each work of heart has taken years to complete.

“I am fascinated with the intersection between natural and ethereal worlds. Common threads are hybridizing forms into formless, more-than-humans; listening to muse in the unseen realms; and the specific regional link of plants and animals who silently cradle us in their realms, evolving together through mutually beneficial relation.”