Artist Spotlight: 04
During art school I took a couple years to explore textiles. I’m talking, hand card wool, spin it, dye it, and weave. I would spend hours in the textile studio weaving, silk screening, felting, dying and printing. That’s why I have an insane amount of appreciation for our next artist. Allow me to introduce the talented: Maryanne Moodie. Her wall hangings are out-of-this-world amazing!
For those of you who aren’t as familiar with fiber art or weaving, it takes an incredible amount of patience and time. It really is a meticulous fine art. You’ve probably noticed wall hangings and large-scale macramé have been on the rise. Though this trend has been steadily gaining popularity for some time, I don’t see it fading anytime soon.
I love mixing a variety of art in my home, of all different mediums. I think it’s important to curate a space that is well balanced, yet full of depth. The best way to achieve this is by collecting an array of work: oil paintings, photography, textile / fiber art, sculptures, etc. I also love that fact that each piece has it’s own story, and in my opinion- wall hangings are full of character. They give a room a little bohemian splash.
Ok, so let’s get to the fun part: chatting with Maryanne!
S: When did you begin weaving?
M: I began weaving when I was first pregnant with my son, who is now 3.5. I was at a crossroads in my life where I wasn’t sure about how I was moving forward. My identity as a teacher was coming to an end and I wanted to embrace my life as a mother, but also find room for creativity and deeper thought and meditation.
S: I love everything you create, but do you have an all-time favorite piece?
M: My favorite piece was on a communal loom in Brunswick in Melbourne. It was part of a festival and we encouraged people from the local neighborhood to stop in for ‘a yarn and a yarn’. We all wove together to create a huge piece and then gave the finished piece to one of the weavers who helped lend a hand in its creation.
S: How would you describe your aesthetic?
M: Quite playful, nostalgic and textural.
S: What is your go-to loom? Do you usually purchase your material or go through the entire process of spinning and hand-dying?
M: I have a huge loom that I had custom built. I am able to change the loom to different sizes. I use almost exclusively vintage and hand dyed and hand spun fibers. And so each and every piece I create is original.
S: What are you most excited for in the future? I know you host workshops and enjoy teaching people to weave, producing kits, etc… do you envision this aspect of your business to expand?
M: I am excited to delve more deeply into my creative journey and focus on my life and inspiration. I want to learn more about weaving and other crafts, too. I want to combine them to make art that is new and unusual. I want to #weaveweird
S: Where do you find inspiration? Do you have a favorite textile artist?
M: I like to find inspiration in my own life. By looking around my home, my neighbourhood and drawing on my story and my journey. I love the work of Nick Cave who is a contemporary artist and dancer. I also love Tanya Aguiniga who is constantly drawing inspiration for her community and background.
If you’re not following Maryanne on Instagram, you’re totally missing out! Her entire feed is stunning. For those of you who would like to do more than just follow along on social media… like learn to weave: you can sign up for one of her classes or purchase one of her signature kits.
If you’re interested in purchasing your own Maryanne Moodie wall hanging, she commissions custom pieces through her Etsy shop.
Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions, Maryanne! Another fantastic artist spotlight is in the books. What type of artist should we interview next? Do you guys have any favorites?