Martha Donovan Opdahl

Peruvian Lattice
Materials & Electrical Engineering, Room B-12
1987 - 1988

Description of Work:

The idea behind my work can be expressed as a tension between all that is ordered, calculated, and controlled on the one hand, and all that is spontaneous, random, and improvisational. In making art, I seek different forms to visually express this universal dialectic.

In making art, I seek different forms to visually express this drama. How I make this abstraction concrete can be explained by considerations of my use of line, fragmentation, color and value. In its different roles, line can be playful, lyrical, gestural and free as well as controlling--defining contour and shape. Fragmentation is another means of conveying my meaning as in a disruption of predictable pattern. I also explore the visual push/pull effects possible with certain color and value contrasts further distracting one from and disrupting the order certain elements impose on the composition. Finally, I explore the illusion of layered, superimposed shapes which build up spatial relationships.

One of my favorite aspects of making fiber art is the initial conception of the piece on paper. The improvisational, spontaneous quality of preliminary pencil sketches has always appealed to me and I try to convey this energy into textiles. Through consideration of shape, line and color, I create a little world onto itself seeking wholeness. My images represent life's spontaneity, randomness, and lyricism as well as its constraints, predictability and order. I try to keep my images energized, fresh and imbued with a life of their own.