A Tale of West Virginia

Progress in the Mountains, 27" x 84", #6- and 8-cut wool on linen. Designed and hooked by Susan L. Feller, Augusta, West Virginia, 2015.

Artists often use their skills to bring attention to issues important to them. How can these concerns and observations be conveyed using rug hooking? The topic addressed in my visual communications usually is how man’s use of nature and the limited resources affects the environment and hence the future. My personality favors positive vocabulary and bright colors.

Living in West Virginia among the abundant natural resources of the Appalachian Mountains, I’m tuned into the natural world. The influences of Girl Scouting, my present day self-sufficient lifestyle, and my interest in traditional crafts all influence how and what I create.

Over the past four years, my observations have focused on the human impact in the 21st century on the visual beauty of these mountains.

This article is from the November/December 2015 issue. For more information on our issue, check out our issue page.