Clients
- Numerous private collectors
- ...and more
About Me
I have enjoyed the Smokies all my life. I have learned about its people, history and hidden natural treasures. I volunteer at the Mountain Farm Museum in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. That's where I began working with corn shucks.
At first, I learned dolls,then heritage braiding and weaving from Annie Lee Bryson aka The Corn Shuck Doll Lady of Cullowhee. Then, the old-fashioned type of corn shuck flower from David Higgins - the Farm's lead volunteer. When I asked why (since this is "The Wildflower Capital of the World") don't we make real-looking wildflowers. I was told that no one has been able to figure it out.
So, I went home, with research books in hand, to begin figuring out how to create the beauty of our native wildflowers with corn shucks.
My first attempt was a trillium, which I thought would be the easiest. It turned out pretty good. But when I took it to the Park to show the Rangers, it was damaged. That's when I decided to place my work on bases, or mounts - to protect them, and give them a more "real" appearance.
Things just took off from there. Although my research books are very helpful, I can capture a wildflower better in corn shucks if I research the actual plant and flower myself. I hike, take my camera and ruler, and head out to the blooms when they appear. I don't pick or damage the real wildflower - they're too important, and must be protected for future generations - just like corn shucks!
My work has been featured in "Fun Things To Do In The Mountains", "Postcards from the Smokies", and the "Smoky Mountain News".
Email me at LoriAnderson@AppalachianTraditionsPastandPresent.com to subscribe to my monthly newsletter, which will keep you up-to-date on upcoming exhibitions.
