Sally Fitch, Textile Art

Passion for Fabric… Beyond the pattern

It is with great sadness that we announce that Nomad Sally passed away, July 7, 2021. Her passion and creativity live on in her work. Her spirit will never be lost. She was a unique and very talented artist and our valley will miss her tremendously.

Fabric has fascinated me ever since I was able to hold scissors. This fascination for fiber took on international dimensions when I participated in a student exchange program in Guatemala. The Peace Corps service in the Chilean Andes was focussed on cultural study grants in Pakistan, Bolivia, and Guatemala. I was impressed by the native women artisans in these areas — dyeing, weaving and embroidering complex and exotic designs. ~ Nomad Sally

"Pinkie," front view. Most of the fabric was found in Southwest China. — “**Pinkie**,” front view. Most of the fabric was found in Southwest China.

My first batik piece (made in Pokhara, Nepal) of "Pinkie," a precious elephant. The jacket gives honor to Pinkie! — My first batik piece (made in Pokhara, Nepal) of “**Pinkie**,” a precious elephant. The jacket gives honor to Pinkie!

I appreciate the sense of freedom that art embodies to allow me to tell a story with fiber and stitching. Textile collage, incorporating fragments of cloth from every possible source, particularly from ethnic fabrics, characterizes my wearable creations.

The Akha of Burma outfit made after a month of village visits in highland areas of Myanmar.

I used remnants of old Akha tribal clothes to embellish the jacket. — I used remnants of old Akha tribal clothes to embellish the same Akha of Burma jacket.

As vistors entered the Larson Gallery, there were sheets of material and pens. "X-Press Yourself," the sign said. And visitors did just that. These expressions, artwork, and designs became my X-Press Yourself Jacket. I will treasure it always. — As visitors entered the Larson Gallery, there were sheets of material and pens. “X-Press Yourself,” the sign said. And visitors did just that. These expressions, artwork, and designs became my X-Press Yourself Jacket. I will treasure it always.

"Memories of Chile" In the bottom of an old trunk, I came upon this fabric which I wove 47 years ago while serving in Peace Corps in Chile. What fun it was to create something wearable with my treasure! — “Memories of Chile” In the bottom of an old trunk, I came upon this fabric which I wove 47 years ago while serving in Peace Corps in Chile. What fun it was to create something wearable with my treasure!

Wearable textile Art such as this Blue Shibori Jacket. Textile collage incorporating fragments of cloth from every possible source, particularly from ethnic fabrics, characterizes my wearable creations.

The intricate and beautiful fiber work of peoples from all over our planet – embroidery of the Miao and Dong People of Southwest China and Tribal Areas of the Middle East, Shibori of Japan, India and China, weaving of the Maya and Andean regions, and batik from many areas – inspire me to design my own clothing to honor the works of these passionate and talented artisans.