Tell us about you. How did you find weaving?
I have a BFA from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, but up until a few years ago, all of my creative energy was spent designing on a computer. Once I realized how much I missed making art with my hands, I started signing up for random art classes and workshops. Most of them were fun for an evening, but didn’t inspire beyond the workshop. But then I attended a 3-hour weaving workshop, and I fell in love with it. After several years of exploring and experimenting, weaving/fiber art is now a very large part of my life. I love weaving for the endless creative opportunities, the integrity of the fiber, and the meditative aspect of the repetitive motion. Also love the fact that weaving is a traditional craft with a long history, but can also be very modern.

What type of weaving do you like to currently do? Are there other practices you’d like to try/learn more about?
I describe my work as “modern weaving” and “mixed media” — I use basic principles of weaving, but I constantly experiment with different materials and techniques. Thanks to classes at the Weavers Guild, my weaving practice has expanded to include dying and spinning. These days, I create mixed-media pieces that incorporate weaving, hand-spun art yarn, and ceramics. In the future, I’d love to learn more about traditional techniques that could be applied to modern fiber art (like backstrap weaving), and how to use traditional methods with unexpected materials.

Where do you find inspiration?
I love to visit museums, and I’m inspired by art of all kinds. But for day-to-day inspiration, Instagram is my happy place. There are so many talented artists out there! Hashtags like #weaving, #weavemodern, #weaveweird, #fiberart, and #artyarn provide endless inspiration.

Describe the space(s) where you work.
I’m lucky to live in a house with a large living room, because half of it is now my studio! I have a spinning wheel and bins for spinning materials in one corner, a large worktable and storage for weaving materials and tools in another corner, and an easel for weaving in between. I also have a large rack that I can assemble If I’m working on a large-format project. Since I don’t use a floor loom, I can find a way to work almost anywhere.

Why do you think weaving and creative makers are important?
Almost three years ago, I set an intention to make art every day. I’m not always successful, but I know that my day is better when it includes art. I love technology and media, but I make it a priority to balance screen time with working-with-my-hands time. I also have a deep appreciation for the generations of weavers who came before us, and I consider it an honor to participate in keeping fiber art alive and relevant for generations to come.

Do you have any upcoming events WGM members and wider community should know about?
I’m excited to announce my first annual holiday happy hour / gallery show on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at Artbarn52 (5261 Edina Industrial Blvd, Edina MN 55439). I’ll be showing all of my recent work, plus a few bonus items that would make beautiful holiday gifts.

Learn more about Emily here: http://emilyeatonart.com

Follow Emily on instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/emilyeatonartClick here to see more of Emily's work

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