PHYLLIS THOMAS
Acacia Sanctuary
Linen tapestry with linoleum prints and stitching
20” x 29” - ©phyllis thomas
This is the fourth expression of the beloved Acacia tree that grows throughout the landscape of Kenya and surrounds the property of Hadada. They are such an iconic natural form I thought it worth making number four. This piece combines the use of raw linen and stitching from the first expression, Through the Acacia Trees and expands the use of the linoleum prints I used in my third expression, Acacia Forest.
Since I already had the linoleum blocks, I asked myself “what if I print them on linen instead of paper?” After experimenting, I found it worked. There were several ideas that came to mind as I thought about the trees and the environment where they grow; they’re organic, out in the wild, encompassing beautiful tones of greens and ochres and includes the element of fresh air.
My process was methodical yet inspirational. I chose colors and printed on small fringed pieces of linen. After stitching those on a larger piece of linen with gold thread, I pulled threads at the top and along the bottom to bring in the idea of the openness and fresh air. To make a complete expression I added stitching under the tree prints with the colors of the soil and grasses. When all parts were complete I sewed dark green linen to the back in order to make the pulled threads show up which makes a frame around the raw linen.
As part of my process, I went back to the original research referencing Exodus 28:8 And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them and Exodus 25:10 And they shall make an ark of shittim’ acacia wood. I brought in the element of gold for divinity, which references the gilded acacia wood furniture in the Tabernacle, by printing one gold tree in the center and using gold thread to sew the tree prints onto the background linen as well as one gold thread under the trees. The linen also references the priestly garments worn in the Tabernacle.
The title Acacia Sanctuary comes from the Tabernacle as a place of worship and a sanctuary away from everyday activities where God dwells. I felt that was part of my experience when I walked the paths of Hadada—it was a sanctuary away from home and the regular hustle and bustle of my life and a place where I sensed God’s presence.
And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them. Exodus 28:8
And they shall make an ark of shittim’ acacia wood.
Exodus 25:10
Acacia Forest
linoleum print on paper pieces mounted on board
6” x 24” - ©phyllis thomas
This is the second expression using inspiration from the Acacia tree in Kenya. During my stay I walked the dirt paths around the Hadada property, made sketches of tree shapes and kept them for inspiration. When I did not have time to make a painting featuring the Acacia tree, I came back with ideas and re-drew the shapes into similar dimensions in my sketchbook. During that process I was reminded of linoleum prints. This is a very graphic technique taking away shades and tones and keeping sharp edges and shapes of the object which is a departure from the first of the series, including no use of linen.
Following my inspiration, I got my tools and materials ready then traced three final shapes I like best and cut positive and negative images into the soft material. When you do both positive and negative images of three trees—you suddenly have six trees! At least it looks like there are six because of the different way they appear. Then, I decided to double print some of the shapes which made it turn into a Forest of Acacia trees.
There are several challenges in making these prints which makes it a long process.
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carving all the linoleum blocks
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the inks are not like acrylic paint and do not mix into the same colors I’m used to.
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I had to experiment to find the colors I wanted.
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the block has to be centered and laid in the same place on each layer printed to line up.
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each time you change a color everything has to be washed.
I accepted the challenge and was able to make Acacia Forest, by printing each image on paper pieces and mounting them onto a board. There is one gold tree in the center which takes me back to the Kenya newspaper article I kept in my file from 1986 which states the acacia wood was used for the furnishings in the tabernacle in the Old Testament.
The Tabernacle was a place of worship and a shelter. I can imagine myself walking through this forest of acacia trees, being sheltered from the sun, listening to the birds, feeling a breeze, smelling the fresh air, feeling the dirt and hearing the crunch under my shoes, looking toward the azure blue sky and praising God for His creation and the privilege of enjoying such a wonderful experience. And—maybe looking out for a giraffe or two lopping along looking for shade and helping themselves to a dinner of leaves from the trees.
And let them make me a sanctuary that I may dwell among them.
Exodus 28:8
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And they shall make an ark of shittim acacia wood.
Exodus 25:10