Lois Schklar
Burlap Sculptures
For many years I worked with stuffed fabric forms using a variety of found and natural objects. The sculptures were primarily figurative. I began to see the vessel as a symbol for the female; ie. an emotional outlet, provider of safe refuge and as an expression of vulnerability.
The vessel forms grew from this idea. I was challenged by the idea of creating a free-standing vessel to explore inner and outer connections. The burlap covered bushes that dot the landscape in winter were the inspiration for the type of material I chose to use in my exploration.
I developed a technique for fusing layers of fabric that could be used to “build” a form rigid enough to stand on its own. The technique worked well and opened the doors to many possibilities.
1985-1988
