Mother Tree Project

Thanks for your interest in the Mother Tree Project!

The larger than life-size handmade paper dress is an expression of the vulnerability, strength and sense of community I feel as a mother. Since debuting last February as part of the Portland Building's Installation Space program presented by the Regional Arts & Culture Council (RACC), over three hundred crocheters from around the world have contributed to the piece. Join those from as far as New York, Hawaii, Denmark, Australia and Tasmania by crocheting “roots” at the opening and closing events.

Here's how you can help: The roots of this tree have been growing for the past six months. I will assemble crocheted strands from around the world, and you can still contribute to the sculpture or pass the word on about this project to those you know who might be interested.

Materials: I’m asking that all of the crocheted strands be made from natural plant fibers,

such as flax, linen, hemp, bamboo, etc. Since we are making roots, I don’t want the fiber to

be too thin, so please choose something that is medium or heavy weight.

Color: natural colors only please.

The stitch: All roots will be crocheted using the basic chain stitch.

Length: Strands should be at least twenty feet in length, but they can be as long as

you want. Below is a picture of my first strand.

Delivery: All strands should be sent by March 12, 2010 to:

Helen Hiebert Studio, 2012 N Emerson St., Portland, Oregon, 97217, USA. Thank you!

** Please identify yourself or participants in this project by including your name,

where you live and your e-mail address with your strand.

If you know how to crochet, you can get started, and if you live outside of Portland, you might consider hosting a crochet night to make more material and work in community. I’d like to have bunches of the roots coming from different countries so that this is truly a universal tree. Please spread the word!

If you don’t know how to crochet, this basic chain stitch is simple, and you can find thorough and simple instructions here.

MOTHER TREE continues her journey this May through July at ‘about space’ in Portland’s South Waterfront. ‘about space’ is a window gallery viewable from the outside, except during receptions and events.

Participatory Opening Reception | Thurs, May 27, 6 - 8pm

Closing + Performance by dance artist Tracy Broyles | Fri, July 30, 6-8pm

I'm looking for a few crocheters to help me out... just in case you didn't get enough in during your visit/s or help with prep for The Mother Tree's debut at The Portland Building!

Follow The Mother Tree Project Blog at http://www.mothertreeproject.blogspot.com

Contribute a root! Read below for information on how you can participate in this project!