Artist Statement:

“Local Support” is an artwork inspired by the magic of our immediate surroundings, and celebrates our local, natural area. Often overlooked, beautiful Ohio rocks are delicately wrapped in colorful yarn to draw your attention, like little gifts. All the yarn was sourced from Southern Ohio homesteads that raise sheep and alpacas. I corresponded with the homesteaders, I learned the animals’ names. We connected and supported each other during this project.

While some of the yarn has been left its natural color, others have been dyed using natural materials: avocados, onion skins, red cabbage, madder, lac, marigolds, weld, and dandelions. There is an abundance of versatile plants that can be used in so many ways! This piece highlights the beautiful colors of nature through the dyed yarns, while celebrating the subtle and important elements of nature.

Wrapping the rocks was a meditative process. By holding each rock and turning it over in my hands, I paid attention to their unique details and thought about how each natural element in our world plays an important part in our ecosystem. I hope visitors take some time to pause and appreciate the beauty of nature all around them. And that beauty can spread. Take a rock, move a rock, give a rock.

The materials were fun to work with, I learned a lot, and I’ve grown in my appreciation for what resources, opportunities, and materials we have right in our own backyard.

Thank you to Ironhorse Homestead, Red Flower Farms, and Tarheelbilly Farm for the gorgeous yarn from your adorable animals.