The Mother Tree Project: An Installation by Helen Hiebert at the Portland Building

Synopsis: The Mother Tree is a life-size handmade paper dress, a work in progress that will be created February 16 – March 12  as part of the Portland Building's Installation Space program presented by the Regional Arts & Culture Council. Single strands of crocheted thread will extend from the bodice of the dress; as the strands cascade to the floor they will turn into roots, symbolizing the mother as a provider and nurturer throughout human development. The artist and a sewing circle will gather in the space daily to crochet more strands which will pile up on the floor, filling the area as a tree's roots would fill the ground beneath it.

The Inspiration: Helen Hiebert writes: “Nine years ago, a father walked by me as I was nursing my newborn son at the Portland Japanese Garden and pointed me out to his children, stating: “That is one of the most beautiful things in the world.” As a first-time mother, it meant a lot to me—that he could see beauty in something I took for granted and even hesitated doing in public. My sculpture Mother Tree seeks to visually portray my subsequent reflections about that chance encounter. This sculpture serves as a symbol of the vulnerability, strength and sense of community I feel as a mother.”

Community Participation: To date, over one hundred crocheters from around the world (grandmothers, mothers, fathers and children from places as far away as New York, Hawaii, Denmark, Australia and Tasmania) have sent crocheted “roots” which will be incorporated into the work. Every weekday, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., a sewing circle comprised of the artist and two-to-four volunteers (passers-by, other artists, office workers breaking for lunch, etc.) will crochet on site and add to the work.

The Materials: For this project, Hiebert has created sheets of handmade abaca paper with “drawings” made of thread strands embedded within. Multiple sheets are glued together to form paper panels which are then stitched together to create the dress. The crocheted tree roots are made from a variety of natural materials, including hemp, flax, handspun flax & wool, fibers hand died with turmeric & soil dyes, sea grass and daffodil leaves.

Viewing hours: 7 am to 6 pm, Monday – Friday. The Portland Building is located at 1120 SW 5th Avenue in downtown Portland. Meet the artist and crochet on-site: 11:30-1:30 weekdays, or by appointment: 503.290.6144; helen@helenhiebertstudio.com.