I chose the name Raven Pillows because the Raven is a bird I have long admired for their beauty, resourcefulness, intelligence, and powerful symbology in many cultures, including Native American ones.
I am proud of my work - and humbled by it. I approach the work with utmost care and respect. My materials include backings made of upholstery-weight linens and cotton and high-quality down alternative inserts. The process and the rugs have taught me a lot; how to make a good tassel from Navajo wool yarns, and how to bind the cut edge of a 70-year-old Navajo rug effectively. I have learned to let the weaver's design speak to me for a bit before taking the rotary cutter to it (yes, sometimes that is a painful moment), how to identify the really good pieces, fine weaving, and high-quality wool. I have spoken to Navajo weavers and all of them told me that my work is a way to give new life and purpose to these old rugs - that it is important to them that the weavings are owned and appreciated in whatever form.
I am a native Tennessean with a longtime love of the Southwest. I moved back to New Mexico 6 years ago after living in NW Wyoming for several years. I oversaw river conservation programs for The Nature Conservancy for 20 years in Tennessee and continued my non-profit work at one of the pueblos here until late 2019.
Starting this business adventure was my sister's idea. She said, "You sew well. You have a great eye. You have a deep appreciation for Native American culture and art and you live in New Mexico!". So in January 2020, I began making pillows out of interesting home decor fabrics, vintage Navajo rugs, and Spanish weavings, which have a long tradition here in northern New Mexico. My path quickly led me to focus on the Navajo and Spanish pieces, and the response has been positive and inspiring. There is great beauty and a little magic in these old pieces, many of them damaged and long-forgotten, woven by women and based on centuries old traditions and designs.
