Located inside the J. Eugene Smith Library

Open Door, Open Book is a hand-woven tapestry created by fiber artist, Helena Hernmarck, which hangs in the J. Eugene Smith Library prominently displayed in the second floor lobby. Hernmarck’s craftsmanship has been compared to those from the old world guild tapestry traditions who she turned to while training in Sweden. Her skill is evident in both technical virtuosity and crispness of detail. Yet her works are modern in coloration, theme, scope and perspective. Like all of her work, ‘Open Door, Open Book’ adapts itself to its architectural home both in its physical placement and in its association with place, the University library. The artist offers an open book to peer through, step through into an open vista, into a space of learning and knowledge. “The library opens its doors to anyone who wants to learn and you are drawn in by the hint of interesting things inside. The book bindings are open and you can glance through the back of the book to the widening horizons that education fosters in a person.” states the artist. Notably, fiber art was selected for this space as a tribute to the city of Willimantic with its rich textile history and the wish to recognize the contributions textiles and textile workers have made to the community.

The vertical linen warp of the weave is made in 3 color combinations. The wool, linen and cotton weft (left to right weaves) consist of 600 colors in blue, golden orange, and green hues on a field of muted grays. The blue yarns are custom-dyed and spun by Walstedt’s Textilverkstad, Sweden. Hernmark paints with her yarn and like an oil painter, the color and texture are critical to her work. This is strikingly evident as the viewer draws closer to the piece and discovers that the texture of the weave adds complexity and patterns to her creation. By standing back, the picture comes into focus with absolute clarity (she has been compared to photorealism artists). Visitors may also notice the hand-written notes in the margins of the open book implying active engagement and learning. Her use of strong colors and diagonal lines draw the viewer into the landscape of knowledge and books.