“California’s Wild Gold” Mixed Media Nature Tapestries by Faith Rumm

Artist Statement:

“These large collaged tapestries are a joyful celebration of the abundance of life and biodiversity found in California. They are created from illustrations that were originally commissioned for displays in California state parks and various protected areas. They invite the viewer to enjoy the proliferation of life and also to reflect upon the true nature and meaning of ‘wealth.’ Gold is associated with wealth, and gold is associated with California – literally or metaphorically, it is that which makes us rich. In California, the 1850s gold rush brought hordes of people from all over the world. A few people got rich, but it has since been obvious that the true wealth of this vast state comes from the abundance of life, natural resources and fertile soil. If life, land and natural abundance are true wealth, then how do we integrate our vast numbers, our insatiable appetite for land and development? How do we protect the future? What is to become of California’s Wild Gold?

“This project started by simply unrolling some canvases from my archived illustration projects and seeing the possibilities of collaging them together in new ways, creating new artistic statements. Quickly, the project took on a life of its own with 31 tapestries created so far. In contrast to the exacting process of commercial illustration, making these tapestries has me feeling more like a toddler in a sandbox, slinging things around, playing with shapes and colors, and just having fun. Stitchery, cutting, pasting, painting on fabric – all take me back to my early crafting days.” – Faith Rumm

Artist Biography: Artist Faith Rumm has been involved in interpretive art and design for a very long time. This pursuit began in her 20s working for national parks and forests as an interpretive ranger and wilderness ranger. Her business, RummStudio, founded in 2003, specializes in interpretive exhibits for parks and protected areas. Some of the works in this exhibit come from displays created especially for the Laguna Foundation. Website: https://faithrumm.com/

On display January 7 – April 29, 2019. The Heron Hall Art Gallery exhibits three shows per year of nature-themed art, (sales support our restoration, conservation and education work in the Laguna Watershed). Hours: Monday through Friday 9am-5pm. (Because of the various uses of the hall, please call in advance: 707-527-9277, ext. 107.) More info: www.lagunafoundation.org or www.lagunafoundation.org/learning_art-exhibits.html Contact: Moira Hill, Heron Hall Coordinator, (707) 527-9277, moira@lagunafoundation.org.