wool weft on cotton warp; printmaking ink

31”L x 45”W

2026

My interest in combining letterforms and weaving led me to explore how a familiar phrase could take on new meaning within a domestic object. In this rug, I paired the words “Yes, Dear.” with shoeprints and laundry symbols to reflect the expectations placed on women to care for others, keep the house clean, and quietly accommodate. The phrase can be affectionate, but it can also become an automatic response that hides frustration or exhaustion. The shoeprints bring the idea of being walked over into the piece, while the laundry symbols point to the everyday work that often goes unnoticed. Through weaving, I wanted to give that familiar response a visible presence and make room for the feelings that might go unspoken.

Amy Copeland loves to make things. A graphic designer and educator for more than 30 years, she brings her interest in typography and letterforms to her weaving practice. She recently completed a woven alphabet and also creates tapestries and rugs using geometric shapes and patterns. Her work has been exhibited at Worthington Yards, Lakeland Community College, Cyrus Gallery, Malone College Art Gallery, Gallery 202, Contemporary Craft of Pittsburgh, and the McDonough Museum of Art at Youngstown State University.