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Laurie Gano, Big Timber
www.lauriegano.com
Laurie Gano's elegant and intricate tapes-
try work captures the beauty of our Montana
landscape.
Gano was introduced to tapestry weaving at
the Instituto Allende in San Miguel de Allende,
Mexico. She says:
"After several years of weaving geometric
designs, followed by birds and animals, I pursued
landscape as a design source almost exclusively.
I challenge myself by finding new areas of con-
centration, such as sky and water, greater detail
and the effects of light. My husband and I live
on a ranch north of Big Timber; many of my
works depict scenes from Sweet Grass County.
"I love the discipline of weaving, the methodi-
cal progression, the geometry."
T
RADITIONAL WEAVINGS AND QUILTS FOLLOW PATTERNS WELL-KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE DE-
CADES—THINK NATIVE AMERICAN AND CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD. In the nineteenth century
colonists brought their skills to the New World. Many of today's quilters say that they learned sewing techniques
from their grandmothers. And many fabric artists have broken with tradition and, like artists in other mediums, created
pieces that reflect their life journeys or have personal meaning. Some sew secret symbols into their works.
Last Fall the Festival of the read was held at the Shane Center for the Arts in Livingston, showing the works of Mon-
tana women fiber artists. e Festival focused on contemporary, untraditional designs that radiated sophisticated beauty.
is article, like the show, features talented women across Montana. Here are statements about their aims or back-
grounds as well as images of their work. Since pictures speak louder than words, let photos of the women's art reign.
A Patchwork
of Fiber Artists
by
VALERIE
HARMS
"I love the discipline of weaving, the methodical progression, the geometry."
Streambeds, Ancient and Modern
Cayuse Hills Cherry Creek Evening
Snow + Patterns