“The artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work.”—Emile Zola take some.’ Carol found out about that and thought she should also take some. She took them to her house, and I haven’t had a rug under the bed since.” While the rugs are still referred to as “rag rugs,” they are now made from whole textiles. “Our Finnish grandmother used rags, because that was all that was available,” Fran states. “It was grandpa’s Sunday shirt where the collar was gone and his old tattered coveralls. She would cut them up and use them.”
One of Carol’s beautiful creations featuring a piece of reclaimed glassware in the center.
Today, Carol is the material shopper because, according to Fran, “She has a super eye for color.” Carol frequents thrift stores buying bedspreads, towels and old shirts, but only 100 percent wool and cotton is purchased. No rayon or polyester is ever used. All fabric gets washed, pre-shrunk and color tested to make sure the material won’t bleed or shrink after weaving. Material is hand cut into strips and then sewn together. As for Carol’s art glass creations, “They are inspired by nature and whatever interesting glassware I see at a yard sale,” she says with a chuckle. When asked if she makes a plan or mocks up a drawing for the stained-glass design, Carol states she is more of a free spirit. “I noodle on a vague idea but each piece evolves from start to finish as I don’t use pre-made patterns.” Like her sister’s rugs, each stained glass piece that Carol creates is unique.
Fran and Carol in front of Carol’s unique and cheery car. She gets a lot of compliments and questions whenever she is stopped at a gas station or store.
The most important artwork the sisters have created happened following the death of their sibling. Their eyes and voices soften as they describe their most meaningful project. “Our brother Daniel passed away,” Fran said, “He always wore flannel shirts, so we took them and made four rag rugs.” Carol concluded, “We made one for his wife and one for each of his daughters and a granddaughter. We had always teased him about his wild shirts and then we were able to use them in a way we never expected.” The sister’s creative endeavors have resulted in unexpected joys discovered later in their lives—just going to show that it is never too late to find and pursue one’s passion. The gallery is located just off Hwy M-26 at 16970 Academy Road, South Range. For more information call 906-482-3792 or email cmhocking13@gmail.com.
Each completed rug includes small fabric strips of the original material used in constructing the rugs.
MICHIGAN COUNTRY LINES 13