JULIA GOMIEN
WOVENS
Sunbeam
Textiles are a way of recording history. They have a history all their own, often intertwined with specific regions or families. Plaids or tartans are often associated with Celtic culture, having been passed down as symbols of clans in Scotland. Supposedly. Our understanding of history is always evolving, and we are often looking back saying “remember when”.
Patched
For much of history, anything related to textiles was considered “women’s work”. Even though these art forms such as weaving, sewing, and knitting take a lot of time and skill to master, they are still often considered a craft and not given the credit they are due. Quilts are often passed down through generations, but only recently have art historians begun looking at quilts as a way to discuss the past. Patchwork has been used for centuries to extend the life of textiles, and is in art form itself. I wanted to create a collection of wovens based on these two art forms, the history they preserve and the life they give.
Aisling
Colors create feelings. They can create calm, warm, and comfortable spaces. Bringing colors from the outdoors indoors can help in creating this feeling of calm. Sunsets signal the end of the day and are a call for people to rest. No matter how many sunsets people see, there’s always one more beautiful and breathtaking than the last.
Abihann
Rivers have always been a source of life. Early humans built their communities around fresh, running water. Even now, people go to the water in droves to vacation, to relax, to explore. The sound of running water brings a feeling of calm and can lull even the most restless to sleep. The smooth stones around lakes and the soft sand on beaches allows people a space to rest and enjoy the outdoors.
Winging It
Sometimes you spend almost a whole week planning, and then nothing goes right. No attempt to salvage the original project is working, so it’s time to start improvising. These pieces are what happens when plans get in the way.
Deco
Inspired by the geometric nature of art deco design, these overshot patterns were designed to echo these aspects as well as taking advantage of the detail that can be achieved using computer software to design and weave fabric.
