ul’nigid‘, by Rhiannon Skye Tafoya. Rosendale, New York: Women’s Studio Workshop, 2019. x-Collection [FOLIO N7433.4.T29 U4 2019], Special Collections and Archives, University of Iowa Libraries. Photo: Sara Pinkham.
From co-curator Giselle Simón: Among many things, this artist book reminds us that craft traditions are inherent in our lives; they are rich art forms that feed us. Tafoya’s book is a celebration of her grandmother using letterpress printing, the folding book form, and paper weaving that illustrates basket designs. The paper weavings can be moved and displayed in different ways, ultimately creating a basket. There is an interconnection between memories of Tafoya’s grandmother, fibers used in basketry art, and growing into the person the artist is today. The paper weaving, full of fiber, full of tradition, is the new vehicle or language for art. It is yet another example of paper transformation.