AyaFiberStudio

In 2009, the AYA fiber studio was born. After losing my job in the Construction Industry, I began recreating myself toward producing my art on a full time basis. For several years this was only a part-time thing and it was not until 2013 that I could finally say I am a full time artist! The AYA or Fern is an African Adinka symbol of endurance and resourcefulness. The fern is a hardy plant that can grow in difficult places. "An individual who wears this symbol suggests that he has endured many adversities.

I call myself a fiber artist. I love art and I have always enjoyed making art. I have tried many different mediums but always return to fiber and textile art. I am a seamstress and a designer and I have always been intrigued by textiles; and especially if the fiber has a beautiful texture that makes you want to reach out and touch it! I love layering color and combining different tactile fibers.

My work is inspired by nature and my life in sunny Florida and my travels in the Caribbean islands and the Indigo blues of the sky and the sea. I can sit for hours starring out into the water or looking at cloud formations in the sky. I love the different shades of blue that are produced by different fabrics and with each vat dyeing.

I love the random results of fiber art - I love the mixture of the fabrics, the different ways that dye and resist create different combinations, and the results that are only revealed at the final step. It is always a surprise when I unwrap a freshly dyed piece of fabric! I believe there are no mistakes in life and it is the same with fiber – there are no "mistakes" , and everything is always subject to change. The imperfections and irregularities are all part of the creative process.

I work from a small waterfront studio overlooking the Manatee Pocket in Stuart, Florida. I am always learning new techniques and experimenting with them. Every piece created is a unique one of a kind original!