As a designer/handweaver, which part comes first? It takes a life-time of learning a craft to get to place where an idea can be executed with the artist's voice. In my opinion, techniques contribute to the original concept but shouldn't overwhelm the completed garment. Color, drape and fit are still essential to the final product.
You have followed me through the Pandemic and saw that I embraced technology to stay in touch. This year, I was invited to sample a beta AI (artificial intelligence) program. How this works is that ,using my images, I upload them to the AI and generate a sample. Then using text descriptions, I guide the AI to extrapolate the designs. Language is key to training the model. In general terms, I have a non-judgmental muse encouraging me to think outside of the box. The three images above are samples of that process. It is up to me to actually source the materials, set up the loom and weave the fabrics. It is a design journey where first ideas might be discarded and resolved in another way. This exercise has been stimulating and I am excited to see where it goes. It will takes months of work, but a new collection will start to take shape. using the best medieval weaving techniques and present day technology.
Check out the website for my Shows this year @ https://www.theoregonweaver.com/blank-1
The Open Studio Tour will feature a Zoom invitation for subscribers.
Sign up here: https://www.theoregonweaver.com/subscribe
It will be great to see you again!