Theadora

All of my sculptures have stories related to their names, the materials I used to make them and a variety of adventures that occurred when they were made. Theadora’s story is no different and yet, it’s very different; and perhaps more meaningful.

I shared her story on my Facebook page. Rather than send you there (of course, I’d love for you to visit); I’ve simply reposted it here.

Theadora is the newest member of my flock. She made her first public appearance at the Southern Highland Craft Guild, Folk Art Center in May of 2025.

I will warn you; her story is somewhat long and more than a little on the mushy side.

The short version? I owe more thank you’s than I could ever say for many of the materials I used to make Theadora. They represent an outpouring of love and the hard work of numerous volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Now on to the long version…

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, people from all over the country wanted to help the artists of this region. Donations of food, clothing and even people willing to help; quickly began arriving. But, a bit more quietly, gifts of love and support began pouring in that were specifically for the area’s fiber artists.

Lovers of the fiber arts sent Local Cloth-Farm/Fiber/Fashion Network literally truck loads of fibers, threads, yarns, fabrics, beads and the tools to turn them into beautiful things. They were all sent to Asheville to be given to area artists adversely impacted by the storm. So much was sent that they held three different give-aways and anything left over was re-donated to the Asheville, NC Habitat for Humanity ReStore.

My work has always been primarily made from rehomed and recycled materials; often given to me by other artists. It might sound corny, but I’ve always felt an energy in those materials and believe my work benefits from the artistic spirit of the people who first used those materials. I’ve used everything from the last yard of sock yarn remaining from a pair of knitted socks to weaving thrums and even a tiny motif of hand-dyed lace. The more unique and limited the material, the more I love working with it.

I was fortunate. I did not lose any finished work or my studio but I lost virtually all of my income in the wake of the storm and more than a little of my creative spirit. About 30 hours after the lights went out, I began a desperate battle to find the resources my mother needed to breathe. During the 79 days after Helene roared through, we were often showered with kindness and were unfortunately also forced to deal with a number of people who made things far more difficult than they already were. Like for so many in the region, Helene has left huge scars and one less person in my life.

These donations are making it possible for countless artists in the region to begin rebuilding inventory, regaining our income and re-energizing our creative souls. I couldn’t attend the first, and what I thought at the time, the only, give-away last fall. I’ve seen photos and know that initial generosity left many in the region literally speechless and in tears.

As the weeks passed, donations continued to pour in and more give-aways were scheduled. I went late to the 2nd giveaway, hoping to perhaps gather some smaller pieces to incorporate in my birds and leave the larger quantities for those with the greatest need. Sitting in the sunshine and somewhat abandoned on a tarp, was the lovely blue fur I used on Theadora’s face next to a bag of craft felt. I used some of that felt to help create Theadora’s body and provide a bit of extra stability to the fur.

I went to the 3rd give-away a bit earlier in the day. It was hard to comprehend the sheer volume of materials that were in that church meeting room that day. Everything from teeny seed beads to giant cones of weaving yarn, sewing machines and even large weaving looms. I found the sparkly purple yarn, the dark tan fuzzy yarn and the blue beads for Theadora. The generosity and love those gifts represent is truly humbling.

Those materials, infused with a bit of magic and the love of strangers, helped me to rediscover the joy I experience making my birds. I’m already working on two other birds that will also feature yarns, and other materials, from across America.

I will forever be thankful to what must be thousands of Americans, who so generously supported the artists of Western North Carolina. It is my sincere hope that you know how much your generosity means to all of the fiber artists lucky enough to have received your gifts. And I would also like to thank the folks at Local Cloth-Farm/Fiber/Fashion Network who did all of the hard work to sort and distribute what must have felt like an avalanche of millions of yards of fabric, thread and yarn.

Theadora may be less flamboyant than some of my other sculptures. She’s definitely a bit smaller. And, she is my first bird sculpture that’s seated with legs. But, most importantly, she represents my gratitude of the love I’ve received, my personal recovery after the nightmare that was Helene and re-discovering my joy of creating.

Wherever Theadora may travel, I hope her traveling companions know she is indeed a special bird and worthy of all of the love they can give her.