Rhoda Juels
I use primarily fiber materials to create two and three dimensional art-works, including installations, that often have feminist themes and social commentary, for example, honoring distinguished women or bringing attention to the plight of women in oppressive circumstances.
My work incorporates contemporary sensibilities and unusual materials with traditional techniques such as hand sewing, crocheting, beading, gluing, painting, encaustic, and felting. While the methods I have chosen are labor and time intensive, some pieces requiring a year to complete, the focus of attention contributes to my strong sense of purpose and commitment. I also produce wearable art, that I personally wear, using similar materials and techniques.
I live and work in Leverett, a small town in the Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts in a private, accessible, forested environment bordering conservation protected land. This allows me to envision and create artwork that can be displayed inside my home, or outside in consonance with nature, honoring the forest forms and natural rock formations.
