This September, the Gallery at the Park presents “Ropework: Processing Beauty,” a unique exhibition from Philip E. Harding, a visual artist with over four decades of experience. While Harding’s past works have included stunning 2D prints in a variety of media, including ink, acrylics, and oil pastels, his newest project focuses on fiber arts and rope work.
Harding creates his ropes by combining fibers such as yarns, ribbons, and fabric strips. Spinning ropes allows him to utilize his love of color, texture, and pattern. When he first began the project, he found that the ropes he created were surprising, beautiful, and unique. Over time, he discovered how to form different patterns and textural effects.
Harding first began spinning ropes as a way to process trauma. In 2017, his brother moved into his art studio. He lived there for a little over two years before being diagnosed with early onset dementia and moving into a group home in 2020, followed by an assisted living facility, before passing away in 2022.
After his brother moved out of his art studio, Harding wanted to create something more physical, tangible, and grounding than the drawings and paintings he had previously made. He describes the rope work as “meditative and comforting.”
Harding states, “In contrast to much of my art in the past that has a rather cerebral or intellectual quality, the ropes had a warm natural aesthetic quality that felt comfortable and easily accessible.”
Philip E. Harding’s “Ropework: Processing Beauty” will be on display at the Gallery at the Park from August 29 through September 30. See more of Harding’s work at hardingfineart.com.
The artist reception will be on Sunday, September 10, from 1 to 3 pm.
