Spotlight on Art

By Carolyn Henderson

Special to the Dayton Chronicle

DAYTON–The Wenaha features Sting-Art Cards by Lois Hemphill now through April 19.

Creativity is a gift given uniquely to humans.

And while it's true that creatures like birds can incorporate string and paper and twigs into a pretty impressive looking nest, it is humans who look at random materials and fashion them into something that they purposely and uniquely design.

"I enjoy making something from not much of anything," says Lois Hemphill of Dayton, who has created in both culinary and craft arenas all her life.

"I get my inspiration in art from seeing something that gives me an idea for another use."

Like that string, for example. Hemphill creates one-of-a-kind greeting cards by stitching thread and string onto card stock. Using a computer design program, Hemphill forms the basis for her design – a heart, a jar of jam, flowers, a stained-glass window -- and perfects it for shape and color. She then pulls out her utensil that punches holes in the card stock, and sets up the parameter through which she loops the string. Sometimes she adds extra embellishments, like crocheted lace or stampings, with the resulting work an art piece that is enjoyed by both sender and receiver.

"I like my cards to be somewhat lifelike or at least whimsical," Hemphill says.

"I leave the inside of them blank, which makes them more versatile."

With her mind always thinking of things to do and not enough hours in the day to address everything she wants to do; Hemphill never runs out of ideas for her next card. Intricate or simple, the design will be something to catch the eye and draw the viewer for a closer look, generally followed by the question, "How did she do that, with string?"