I was delighted to receive an email this week with photos of hooking done by the women in Matangwe since February. The pieces took me right back to the big table in the Community Centre and the 16 women hooking and chatting in Luo. It was a great privilege to work with them and to help them develop their own style and colour sense. Remember, they are working with burlap and minimal fabrics–whatever they can find at home or at the local market–are cutting each strip with scissors and hooking without a frame or hoop. And they lead busy and difficult lives. Yet the pieces they produce are of great charm and unique design. More pictures of the rug hookers of Matangwe can be found here and here.
I am looking forward to our gallery show in September when all the pieces will be mounted and displayed. More details on that closer to the time. And in the meantime, check out the bird in the third piece; it’s not hooked yet but it will make you smile.
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