Artists

Adele Shaw

Artists Statement "How About It?"

"How About It?" is my contribution to the 2008 Hearts in SF project. Again knitting plays a significant role in the piece*. The wings, knit from Mohair, carry metaphors of extended arms of warmth, support, and ultimately encourage us to dare to take flight and soar beyond what we know.

The heart was measured and fitted with a hand tailored "frock". Orange silk was chosen for it's warm color and pattern. I just so happened my mother was visiting during the time I was making the first pattern. It was wonderful to have the assistance from the one who imbued me with such skills in knitting and sewing. She was thrilled to help, as she has been a huge fan of the Hearts in SF since the first project 2004. Needless to say, we made great memories working in the studio together.

There is extensive drawing on the surface of the heart under the frock. Secrets are told and forever hidden under the fitted silk. The silk frock is coated with organic beeswax. The element of the beeswax not only brings out the beautiful color of the heavy silk, but bees, being winged pollinators, play a crucial roll in the ecological web where we humans also reside.

The Wing armature is solid copper. Its design is based on the shape and natural function of a wish bone. It enters into the heart from the front, rolls through the cleft between lobes, to the back where it branches and becomes 2 wings. The span of the wings is approximately five feet wide.

About the artist

Adele Louise Shaw has been living in SF for the past 18 years. A consummate artist and painter, she makes her living between painting, art commissions, and from time to time teaches painting and knitting workshops. You can see more of her work at http://www.adeleshaw.com

*Knitted polypropylene rope was used in the 2004 contribution- "The Tempest Cozy"