Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Semester of Degree Completion

1980

Thesis Director

Suzan G. Braun

Abstract

Wire can be used in the same way as fiber in many textile processes. Wire is used to gain the same richness of texture that is exhibited in fibers and to capture the light reflective quality of the textile techniques.

The following processes are not for beginning students. Much experimentation went into the research for each technique. The first method is coiling. This technique is a single-element stitch process (without the needle), worked continuously over a core. The second technique is crochet, involving a single-element structure in which loops are interlocked in a continuous manner. The third technique is loom weaving. It is the interlacing of two separate sets of elements to produce a fabric. The fourth technique is knitting, a single-element technique in which a series of loops are worked vertically through the repetition of knitting stitches placed on some kind of tool.

Yarn is the most flexible of materials, and when using metal in its place, the artist should always consider strength in determining the suitability of material to process. In determining the working properties of the metal, the thickness or gauge of the wire is always considered for the manipulation of the metal.

Although textile constructions in metal use basically the same tools and implements as those in yarn, there are a few metal working tools that are essential for cutting, bending, and forming the metal. They are wire cutters, round nose pliers, flat nose pliers, files and gloves. The equipment used in textile techniques are a harness loom, a crochet hook, and a set of knitting needles.

Open patterns such as weaving, crochet, knitting and coiling, can be tedious when repeated. When the process is completed the wire enriches the surface and a refreshing quality is created.

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