Lenore Tawney, 1907-2007

Lenore Tawney died at her home in Manhattan on September 24. She was 100 years old. Lenore was a close friend and student of Charlotte Selver. She was an innovative fiber artist and an influential figure in the development of woven sculpture as an art medium.

From a letter by Lenore to Charlotte*:

“I began to realize that my suffering was caused by my resistance to change, that I have a deep and basic fear – of “the other” of everything that is not me.

It is a beautiful world, made for joy. I look out at the river reflecting the sun in the millions of points and these reflections reflecting shimmering light on my ceiling.

One speaks glibly, settles everything with words. I have lately thought how beautiful to be mute like the animals” then to convey only the truest feelings with the eye and body. All the superfluous noise cut off. “

* From an collage of letter excerpts collected by Mary Alice Roche. This excerpt appears to be from a letter dated October 2, 1959.