Shelley Socolofsky’s Statement

“Cloth” means much more to me than merely its intended function at its making. A cloth carries a resonance – a ghostly quality that is an accumulation of all the thoughts, dreams and lives that have bee absorbed into it over its history of use. As a cloth is worn, passed on to others, slept under, used for comfort, it becomes richer and more complex; absorbing those personal stories: told and untold. My tapestries are a reflection of these ideas about cloth. They are personal and symbolic allegories telling stories about the human spirit.

Shelley Socolofsky’s Biography

Shelley has been weaving tapestry for over 25 years. Her work has been exhibited extensively throughout the United States and abroad and is included in numerous public and private collections. Her tapestries have been published in many periodicals and books including Fiberarts Magazine, American Craft, Interior Design Magazine, Artist magazine of Taiwan.

Her education in the arts and Tapestry include degrees in textiles and media arts earning the degrees of BFA, MED in secondary Art Education and current MFA candidate status. Additional studies include certificates in French literature, Art History and Gobelin tapestry studies in and around Paris, France, Jacquard weaving at the Fondazione Lisio in Florence, Italy and Jacquard Cad work with the Jacquard Center in North Carolina. Awards include a 2003 Fellowship Grant from the Oregon Arts Commission.

In addition to studio work, Shelley has taught many courses and workshops in tapestry and related textile arts, graphic arts and painting at various venues including Otis Art Institute of Parsons, Los Angeles, Hand weaving Guilds of America conferences, the University of Oregon and secondary public school.

Shelley currently maintains a full time tapestry studio in Oregon specializing in tapestries for sale and commission.