Sacred Landscape :: Felted Wool Wall Hanging

For the past two years, I've been developing a body of work, entitled, "Sacred Landscapes". This collection consists of various size (3' to 7' in height) felted wool wall hangings which evoke the Grand Canyon's geological strata and its carver, the Colorado River. Each piece features a 3D "cut" to reveal a hidden layer below. The ovoid shape is inspired by the Shiva Lingam stones gathered from the Namada River in Onkar Mandhata, one of India's holy sites. The works' reference to the sacred is intentional, as Grand Canyon too serves as an inspirational site commanding respect and often reverence from those who gaze into its depths… and is sacrosanct to many who fight for its continued protection.

Photo: Sacred Landscape; Hand-felted Merino wool; 16.5" x 36.5". © Kim Buchheit

Sacred Landscape Series

I just completed another felted wall hanging for inclusion in my Sacred Landscape Series. Here's a close-up photo showing some of the textures and color gradations. One of the things I love about using pre-felt as a substrate is how those solid-colored base fibers migrate up through the top layers to create a tonal "glazing" effect. On this particular piece, the top layers are cut through in one area to reveal a "river" of turquoise blue below... a tribute to some of Grand Canyon's waterways (e.g. the Little Colorado River and Havasu Creek). Detail of felted wall hanging; 17"x 39.5"; 100% wool; © Kim Buchheit