The fiber sculptures I create are constructed by the basic basketry technique of coiling.

I challenge the conventional boundaries of fiber sculpture, creating a complex intertwining of form and texture.

My name is Ellen Dickinson and I am a fiber artist. I create unique sculptures made using the traditional basketry coiling technique from linen warp and poly cord core. The process is intensive as a thin natural colored linen warp thread is wrapped completely around the poly cord and stitched in place. As the sculpture evolves in the round, a spiral begins to form. The spiral is inherent in the technique that connects to the same growth process in
nature. Fascinated by this connection of spiral accretion, I explore and interpret flowers, corals, shells and the movement of water to challenge perceptions while inviting contemplation on the beauty of patterns and natural rhythms with texture and form.

In the past few years, I have been expanding the interplay between solid and void in my sculptures. I shift perceptions of interior and exterior surfaces using open and closed loops that form an intricate network of layered surfaces contrasting light and dark and movement making the free standing sculptures appear to have no beginning or end.

My interest in fiber began as a child growing up in a family of knitters. My first creations were a sweater with very long arms and a scarf that wrapped from head to foot. I was already on a path to explore fiber. In High School, I had the rare opportunity of taking a fiber art class that introduced the works of Ferne Jacobs. Her work inspired me to express my ideas freely in the round. A few years later I would spend time at the Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown, Mass. apprenticed to fiber sculptor Les Bohnenkamp. Working with Les gave me a strong grounding in various fiber techniques. I discovered I loved coiling and the ways I could manipulate the technique. I started to use a poly cord core and linen warp thread to wrap my pieces because it would last forever. The use of the natural linen color is a choice I made to enhance the connection of my creativity to the natural world.

Work Photographed by Joshua Dickinson

Education

  • 1972 - 1973, Skidmore College Saratoga Springs, NY, Art History - Dean's List

  • 1974 - 1975 Clark University/Worcester Art Museum School Worcester, MA, Studio Art - Dean's List

  • 1975 - 1976 C. W. Post College Brookville, NY, Studio Art

  • 2005 Adelphi University, Garden City, NY, BFA, Studio Art

Exhibitions

St. Joseph's College 2022
Patchogue, NY
The Graphic Eye Gallery 2018
Port Washington, NY
The Adler Gallery 2017
Port Washington Library, Port Washington, NY
Craft Forms International 2016
Wayne Art Center, Wayne, PA
Linear Connections 2015
Patchogue Arts Council, Patchogue, NY
Nancy Margolis Gallery 2006
Philadelphia, PA
Artful Home 2005
SOFA NY 2005

Artist’s Statement