Lavish (Crochet As Art)

Even in the early days of her crochet education (1970's), Gwen's talent was the ability to search for and find “artsy” crochet patterns. The seventies were a magical time for crocheters. Creativity reigned and crochet art was accessible because the designers were willing to write patterns for their creations. Gwen remembers a particular necklace that mimicked vines and leaves hung from a simple wire choker. So subtly worn by the model on a flowing dress in the magazine, Gwen is sure many never saw it. She made more than one, experimenting with different fibers, such as metallic gold and silver, and sold them. Her first attempt at sculptural crochet was a three-foot flamingo using a published pattern. Living in Florida at the time, Gwen was in her “tropical phase” then. “Palm Tree Necklace,” “Flamingo Necklace” and “Queen of Crochet: A Self Portrait” soon followed.

Gwen insisted from the very beginning that “crochet as art” be a part of each annual Chain Link Crochet Guild Conference. She has had the priviege of curating two large crochet art exhibitions: “Rhythm of Crochet” traveling juried and invitational sponsored by the Tenth Anniversary Celebration Committee of CGOA (2003-2004) and “Chain Reaction,” co-sponsored by the Textile Arts Centre of Chicago and CGOA (2000). Examples shown below: