This week I needed to get a way for a day. I decided to return to the stacks at the University of California, Berkeley’s Anthropology library. During my stay as a student, I spent many hours focusing on Art History, with little regard or time for anything else. Now I have the time to explore other disciplines. I was looking forward to picking up a book I had on hold at Doe Library, Decorative Patterns Of The Ancient World, by Flinders Petrie. On my way, I captured a picture of the infamous Campanile.
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
Such a relief to relax and take in the atmosphere without worrying about the next paper or test. I headed over to the Anthropology library and ventured into the world of prehistoric textiles. Three books, Women’s Work: The First 20,000 years, Making Textiles In Pre-Roman And Roman Times, and Textile Production In Pre-Roman Italy, I was excited to discover because they support my area of interest.
My interest in textile arts began at the age of eight. Through the guidance of a 4-H leader, I walked the runway in my first sewn dress. I continued to sew through the years and decided to purchase my first weaving loom. Toting my infant daughter on my hip, I warped my loom for the first time. From weaving, I moved on to knitting, felting and dyeing yarn. Throughout the many years of developing my expertise in the textile arts, I didn’t give much thought to the people, places and identities of the individuals that came before me, until now.
On my way across campus to the parking garage, I captured a few more pictures.
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
Photo credit: Mary Lou Fall
Share this:
Sticks-a-GoGo 
Textiles influenced many aspects of the decorative arts. So amazing…
LikeLike
I thoroughly understand the joy of a university library. All libraries are great but one at a research university especially makes my heart beat fast! I loved the Women’s Work book but don’t know the other two–I’ll check them out.
LikeLike