untitle electric two

source: jenniferboldt

I make art because it is my passion. A recurring theme in my work is the application of traditional processes from the textile arts to new or atypical materials. I have explored this theme through weaving spun cellulose, copper wire, and silk thread into decorative 2-D and 3-D pieces. My work reflects how these new materials can be manipulated into contemporary pieces. I am currently focusing on weaving and 3-D collage. For example, to create the piece “Woven 3” in my portfolio, I used spun cellulose fiber (traditionally not used in weaving) in my warp and weft and inlaid hand tied ramie (a very traditional fiber), gives the piece a highly texturized surface while remaining lightweight.

My creative process often begins by developing ideas through photography and painting; I like to use photography as a tool to discover visual ideas from my everyday surroundings and painting in oil or watercolor to explore different color effects and combinations. I then take my favorite bits and decide which textile media to work with, taking into consideration fiber, texture, and color. I often find myself returning to nature for inspiration. I am also inspired by medieval tapestries and artists like Hisako Sekijima, Naomi Kobayashi, and Sheila Hicks. I am drawn to these women for many reasons; Sheila Hicks for her use of color and unique chunky and fiberous forms; Naomi Kobayashi for her beautiful textures and predominantly neutral palette – there is a calm serenity to her pieces; and Hisako Sekijima for her use of natural fibers woven into the most wonderous 3-D shapes.