Libby Raab
Roots and Stone in Blue, 2026
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 16"w x 27"h
Returning to Woven Ruins, my ongoing series on the intertwining of old structures and the nature that reclaims them. The raffia has officially taken over. It used to be a supporting player, there to shape and accent the weave. Now it's the main character. The paper weave is just the bones.
Libby Raab
Woven Ruins, 2026
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 19.5"w x 36"h
Inspired by Angkor Wat's temple ruins, where tree roots weave through stone facades simultaneously destroying and preserving, the work depicts a moment where nature and structure become inseparable. The warp draws from a centuries-old stucco wall in Madrid, its paint peeling in accumulated layers, while the weft is a digital image produced through iterative screenshotting and computer coloration, giving it a glitchy, contemporary presence. Together, they root the weave in contrasting timelines and technologies.
Libby Raab
Emergence, 2025
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 19"w x 28" h
Reflecting on architectural ruins where tree roots weave through ancient buildings, this paper weave’s raffia coils infiltrate the base weave. Just as nature simultaneously destroys and preserves ancient structures, these coils both disrupt the base weave while also highlighting its pattern.
Libby Raab
Stress Fracture, 2025
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 36"w x 32"h
This weave began with a digital image from my son's hip x-ray (fractured) and a photo of charred wood. Through intentional weaving and unweaving, I created visible scars where the structure breaks down and rebuilds including areas where strengthening has begun. It’s a reminder that stress, though difficult, serves a purpose. We emerge stronger.
Libby Raab
Still Standing, 2025
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 42"w x 27"h
This weave is about resilience. It has clearly “been through some things” but it’s still holding it together. It is battle weary but beautiful - war torn but dignified - scarred but still standing. I continue to be fascinated by what emerges when you tear things apart. There is an unexpected strength in fragility.
Libby Raab
Evolving Identitiy, 2025
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 30" w x 32"h
This paper and raffia weave captures that moment when one form evolves into another. Starting with a minimalist, monochromatic weave pattern on the left, and traversing a bridge of delicate strips, the familiar dissolves. On the right, complexity emerges - intricate patterns and new colors, mark the completion of this metamorphosis.
Libby Raab
Connective Tissue, 2025
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 13"w x 27"h
This paper weave explores the architecture of repair. Wrapped raffia coils are both anchor and bridge creating a connection between separate woven entities while maintaining their individual integrity.
Libby Raab
Prairie Meadow, 2025
Cold Press Fine Art Paper, Paper Raffia 9"w x 27"h
This paper weave captures a prairie meadow at summer's peak in full bloom. Grasses are heavy with seed while subtle undertones hint at autumn's approach. The interplay of woven strips evokes the bittersweet beauty of seasonal transition.
Libby Raab
Trunk Interrupted, 2023
Fine Art Paper 17" w x 23" h
Working with the strong geometry of a tree trunk photo, this paper weave is as much as about weaving as it is about “unweaving”.
