Sandra Vander Schaaf
Iy̓el̓shn: Stay, 2023
dune grass roots, thread 4.5" x 13" x 6"
A trio of dune grass root vessels, each free motion machine stitched and sculpted. Drifting tufts of roots were gathered from the beach (Í7iy̓el̓shn) near a storm-eroded bank. These were stitched and sculpted to honour the role of beachgrass in safekeeping shoreline soils.
Sandra Vander Schaaf
Iy̓el̓shn: Once A Tree, 2023
fir bast and bark, wool 21" x 16 x 1.5"
Sculpture composed of fibre from a single piece of storm-worn lá:yelhp (Halq'eméylem for Douglas Fir). Longer strands of bast became cordage. Shorter strands were felted with wool into log shapes, cut, joined together with handmade cordage, and held again between their own bark. 100% biodegradable.
Sandra Vander Schaaf
Iy̓el̓shn: Breath, 2023
fir bast fibre, thread, driftwood 7" x 9" x 6"
Free motion machine-stitched sculpture of beached fir bast fibre, mounted on driftwood. A collaboration with wind, water, and forest.