Prior to discovering the art of rug hooking, Trish Becker, a Columbia University graduate, was a chemist in the medical products and pharmaceutical industries, with patents and copyrights for her original work. This background in chemistry, combined with her Scottish heritage, led her to dye textured woolens for the wide-cut rugs she loves to hook.
Trish lives in an historic, mid-19th century four story stone bank barn near the Delaware River in NJ, across from Upper Bucks County, PA. Through her studio business, The Woolery, Inc., she sells over-dyed textured wool, and designs and color plans rugs for clients locally, across the country and internationally. Trish is a master wool dyer, creating wonderful “colors that lift the spirit*” Her color palette, inspired by the wildlife and gardens around the barn and the antique textiles she collects, has been described as “very Ralph Lauren.”
Trish is a much sought after teacher, speaker and writer, who inspires others to enhance their rugs through the use of color and creativity. Trish teaches workshops in wide-cut and primitive rug hooking at The Woolery and across the country. Her specialty class at the moment is wide-cut animals. She has been called “the Elizabeth Black of wide-cut”.
The Wool Street Journal’s October, 2007 issue featured a story about the artist and The Woolery. The cover rug, “October Owl”©2007, was designed and hooked by Trish, especially for the magazine. A frequent contributor to Rug Hooking Magazine, Trish’s second rug, “Pumpkin Pickin” ©2003, an original design, was the first wide-cut rug to grace the magazine’s cover (September/October, 2004). Her specialty, “Bringing Animals to Life with Wide-Cut Woolens,” was featured in the November/December, 2005 issue.
“Rajah” ©2004, an original rug, designed and hooked by the artist, was part of the Tigers of Princeton Rug Show and Sale at Princeton University. The work, now in a private collection, raised $500 for Woman’s Space, a shelter for abused women in Trenton, NJ. Trish’s work can also be seen in several books.
Trish was a featured speaker at the 2007 ATHA Biennial in New Orleans, LA., during the closing night dinner celebration, speaking on “My Inspiration, Your Inspiration.” She is proud to be part of the continuing tradition of rug hooking in America, helping to keep this important, historic art alive.
*(trademark) |
