Tell us about you. How did you find weaving?
It seems fiber has always been a part of my life in some fashion. I became a sewer of clothes and a fabric lover. I studied textile science and Interior design in college and worked in both fields. Initially, I worked in a color matching lab creating color formulations for production. Wanting to also use my Interior design background, I became a kitchen designer and worked in that field as well. Currently, I do some fiber and/or art activities with seniors–some with memory issues–at a few facilities in the twin cities.

While still in college at UW–Madison, I had noticed a room off to the side that had a number of looms—students were working on some intriguing projects–all the time. Unfortunately, with a double major, I didn’t have the time to pursue that interest then. About 20 years ago, I finally found the time to begin to learn weaving. Living in the western suburbs at that time, I started weaving classes at the Minnetonka Center for the Arts with Traudi Bestler, who is also an instructor at the Weavers Guild. Weaving provided me with a way to combine both my math/science background along with my design/color interests. It is a never-ending learning process. I don’t think I will ever be bored! Since I have found the Weavers Guild, it has also provided me with another source of endless learning as well as interactions with more weavers.

What type of weaving do you like to currently do? Are there other practices you’d like to try/learn more about?
I have been weaving Judaic prayer shawls on a commission basis. I began doing that upon the approach of my own children’s Bat/Bar Mitzvahs. It was a joy to study how they are made, and when I began weaving them for others, it was something that made others happy and provided them with a customized handwoven art piece to cherish. I also weave scarves, shawls, table runners and towels. I like to experiment with new materials, try new techniques and push the envelope on traditional methods. I would like to learn more about deflected double weave and rep weave.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in nature–the colors and textures, buildings, art in museums and sometimes pictures I find in magazines and books. I keep my phone camera with me to take pictures of anything that looks interesting or colorful. I am also part of an art group where we study a particular theme as inspiration and create a piece of art, which is then exhibited at venues around the metro area.

Describe the space where you work.
I have a studio in the Northrup King Building, Studio #191, where I have a large, bright, space to work, that also holds my looms. I am fortunate to be surrounded by my books and yarn and have access to many pictures to look at for inspiration.

Why do you think weaving and creative makers are important?
I think weaving serves two areas. It is both an art and a functional craft form. Early mankind used weaving as a necessity–to make clothes and useful items for use in the home. Now these same useful items can also be pieces of art. Weaving has evolved to be an art form on its own.

Do you have any upcoming events WGM members and wider community should know about?
The Northrup King Building is part of two major events each year; Art Attack which is in early November–recently held on November 4–6, 2017 and Art–a–Whirl which is in May every year. Next year it will be May 18–May 20, 2018. My studio is also open the First Thursday of each month from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm–other studios in the building are also open. I am also open by appointment. Please visit me at my NKB Studio #191, find me on FaceBook; Moses Weaving, or my website: www.mosesweaving.com My art group; The Interfaith Project of the Jewish Women’s Artists’ Circle will be having an exhibit at Westminster Presbyterian Church April 15 to May 13, 2018.

See more of Sandy’s work here>