Bengt Erikson tapestries at Collected Works

Bengt Erikson has a show of his tapestries at Collected Works in Santa Fe. The show will be up through May. There are seven tapestries hanging.

My favorite pieces are the School House and Old Church--Finland. I love the simple lines and intriguing forms.

School House, Bengt Erikson, 57 x 47 inches, wool/cotton/linen/stainless steel

Here is a detail of the bottom section of School House. I loved how this shifting 2-warp pattern created texture but blended together from farther away.

There was a similar textural effect on the left side mid-green portion of Old Church--Finland though this time I believe it was pick and pick.

Old Church--Finland, Bengt Erikson, 50 x 45 inches, woolcotton

Detail, Old Church--Finland

15 Ambrose Street, Bengt Erikson, 50 x 47 inches, wool/cotton; Spring--Tacoma, Bengt Erikson, 46 x 38 inches, wool/linen

I enjoyed seeing Bengt's work and I recommend a stop to see it. Also look at his beautiful website at www.eriksontapestries.com. Look for Mim's Favorite hanging near the coffee bar. I didn't get a good photo of this piece, but it is a vibrant blue with trees suggested in orange-brown trunks and green tops. I was really inspired by the simplicity and beauty of Bengt's designs. I will have to return to see them again before they come down.

And if you're a local Santa Fean and you've never been to Collected Works, now is the time. It is a great independent bookstore and they even have a coffee shop.