Joanie Vander Vliet

As these photos reveal, Joanie combines the arts of weaving, ceramics and painting to create some very unique works of art.

Joanie says, “I use a finger-weaving technique to create scenes, wrapping metal, wood, and fiber shapes with plush yarns, jute, and other materials. For the ceramic vases and canteens, I pour liquid clay into molds. Then, after I remove them from their molds, and before they have a chance to dry and harden, I cut windows that will frame the woven scenes and pierce them to receive strings that become part of the weaving.

“Inside the vessel, I paint a scene with a southwest theme. The painting becomes a background for the woven foreground of trees and desert plants. This lets the eye wander through an entire landscape of color and texture. I often wire the vases for lights, which shows off the painting and makes a great night light.

“I also make beaded eyeglass holders that let you wear your glasses around your neck, where they are always handy and within reach.”