Sculpture does not have to be confined to stone, clay, or metal. By simply filling a bag with rice to form a shape, we have the basis for an orb, oval, tube, or irregular frame. After making a kind of scaffold with hemp, we will use a needle to tightly wrap yarn onto the strands to create openwork patterns (think honeycomb, cells, chambered nautilus, and other examples from nature). Alone, the vessel can be an object your child or grandchild safely handles to explore the spaces in between. It can be a toy your cat plays with or a “ball” you toss to your dog. Several vessels can be combined into a mobile over a crib or as your own “Alexander Calder” to hang in your work area or home. They can also decorate a tree or, like fruit, fill a basket. Many vessels can eventually lead to an art installation. The shapes, patterns, colors, and quantity are all up to you. 

Discover more about Mirka Knaster here.

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