My friend, Gladys Strong,
passed away on February 13, 2013. She was an extraordinary fiber artist: master
weaver, dyer, spinner, knitter. I met her about 7 years ago when I started
attending gatherings of the Benzie area spinning group. She had spent much of
her adult life in Virginia , but had moved north to Lake Leelanau Michigan
She was especially
knowledgeable about natural dyes, and she was so very generous with that
knowledge. I remember a few days at her studio over pots of brewing fibers.
Rose petals, logwood, cochineal, cutch, henna.
Despite a number of chronic
health issues, she was always cheery. I do believe her enthusiasm for the fiber
arts was most responsible for her upbeat attitude.
Here are some pictures of
Gladys.
Gladys and Midge O., 2006:
Modelling my "Atlantis" shawl, 2007:
Modelling her own lovely woven vest, 2007:
Another view of the vest, 2007:
Spinning some silk, 2007:
More spinning. Gladys in the foreground, Carol S. and Sally C. in the background, 2009:
Spinning, 2009:
Gladys in her beautiful hand spun, hand knitted sweater and hat (her design), 2010:
Gladys, I will think of you often.
Gladys was everything Amy said and more. I will miss her, her cheery outlook and her great fiber knowledge freely shared. Thank you, Amy, for this beautiful tribute to a genuine fiber artist. This brought tears to my eyes and helped me to process and accept her passing, which has been on my mind since I found out a few days ago. I will miss Gladys. Benzie Spinners will miss Gladys.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous = Judy McL
Although I didn't know her, she clearly had a wonderful love of life as well as fiber. It always sad when someone who has given so much to the fiber community leaves us.
ReplyDeletePippa
Hi Pippa, I think you would have liked Gladys very much!
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