Commission Opportunity: “Wes Johnson was the former HR Director at Lyngblomsten, who died unexpectedly in April 2015. Prior to that time, he served as a Lutheran missionary in Liberia and made friends from all around the world.  He was a very caring and generous man.

A weaving represents the essence of who Wes was.  He was skilled at integrating people from many cultures both at work and in his community and family.  He united people and interwove their energy and talents to create a solid work community.  Furthermore, he always honored his Swedish heritage, which is so well-known for its beautiful weaving.  The ideal weaving design would be composed  of intersecting lines and curves that intermingle across the piece to represent the crossing of paths, and the journey of lives that meet and separate across time, and perhaps meet again, etc.  A wide range of colors would represent ethnic diversity.

Below are two very general samples that I found online that are provided only to give a general idea of what might be considered, although these are smaller than what we have in mind. The first has little color nuances that carry good symbolism, and the curves and lines are very nice, too.  Something along this general line would be excellent.  The pink sample shows that we are open to interweaving some wider strips into the piece.  A little bit of controlled fraying would be acceptable, as long as it could not be grabbed or make the piece appear sloppy.  I understand the relationship between yarn size and the time it takes to weave it, and that can be discussed.  The addition of yarns of various texture that might include a bit of angelina or beads woven into them would also be welcomed.  Large woven pieces of cloth throughout are not the desired effect for this piece.

Wes’s wife has asked me (her niece) to help locate a weaver who would either accept this commission or perhaps may have something that is already made that reflects this concept.  The size requirement is to be determined very soon, so work can commence. I will be in Minnesota around August 2nd to meet with Lyngblomsten to learn more about such details.  My aunt and I could also be available to talk with a weaver later that day.  Other arrangements can be made; however, I actually live in Chicago. The preferred dedication date is Martin Luther King Day, January 15, 2018, if this is a reasonable goal.  Memorial monies are in reserve for this weaving.

If you are interested in this commission, or if you have a piece you might like us to consider, please contact me at jteague444@gmail.com with samples of your work, their dimensions, and your pricing.  I look forward to a positive experience and am happy to help do whatever is necessary to bring this memorial to fruition.  I, myself, am a quilter, so I believe we speak somewhat the same language, and I am open to your input.  Thank you for your consideration.”

Contact:
Jane Teague
jteague444@gmail.com