Abby Vakay: Class of 2018
Tell us a bit about yourself. What are some of your interests and hobbies?
I founded and own Hamptons Yoga Healing Arts in Westhampton Beach, New York. I am still an avid rider, as a continuim of my life and love of horses.
How did you get introduced to rug hooking?
I was introduced to rughooking through a dear friend named Mary Sheppard Burton who became for me a transformational teacher of all aspects of dyeing, hooking, and telling my story via the rugs I hooked.
What was your first project?
My first hooking was an important dog in my life at the time, a Jack Russell Terrier named Jazz, who inspired the rug being shown in this show.
Is there one rug that stands out as being particularly memorable?
Each rug I hooked, and there were many, is held equally near and dear.
Is there a particular style of rugs that you're most interested in hooking?
I'd like to return from hooking in mixed media back to the more traditional ways of hooking primitives for the floor—functional pieces.
What's your favorite part about hooking a rug?
Dyeing the wool and making happy piles of color and value.
What's a piece of advice you'd give to a new rug hooker?
Find a great, inspired teacher who devotes her love for the whole process of hooking and the dedication it takes.
What do you love most about Celebration?
Its challenges us to keep our study and skills constant, and high.
Table of Contents
Just North of Scranton, Celebration VII
Memories of her childhood in northeastern Pennsylvania inspired Abby Vakay to design and hook Just North of Scranton. Some of her favorite places and activities have been incorporated into the design, including farms, cows, horses, apple orchards, Christmas trees... Read more.
A Day at the Races, Celebration X
Abby Vakay has long admired primitive rugs with animal motifs, and her first rug depicted the family's Jack Russell terrier. She and her family love the breed and attend terrier races whenever possible. A few years ago, their dog... Read more.
Too Close to Call, Celebration XI
Abby Vakay is a lifelong horsewoman, so it's not unusual that equines are among her favorite subjects for hooked rugs. All the excitement of a Thoroughbred... Read more.
Thanksgiving at Dawn, Celebration XII
Abby Vakay has been continuing her pursuit of building a body of work depicting some of her favorite subjects: "horses, hounds, and we humans who are so drawn to them." This latest addition, Thanksgiving at Dawn, is a self-portrait that brings back fond memories. "Before dawn on Thanksgiving... Read more.
Polo Play, Celebration XIV
Abby Vakay finds that fiber art allows her to pursue design and gives her a sense of satisfaction in completing a solid composition. But as she created her lively and active... Read more.
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