Weaving + Minimalism
Project 1 of Textile Residency — Weaving + Minimalism
The benefits of a minimalist lifestyle are peace of mind, clarity + focus. I continue to strive for this in my life. I prefer quality over quantity + function over fashion but still appreciate aesthetics.
“Aesthetically, minimalist art offers a highly purified form of beauty. It can also be seen as representing such qualities as truth (because it does not pretend to be anything other than what it is), order, simplicity and harmony.” -Tate, UK
Minimalism by process is stripping down all the non-essential forms, features, or concepts + typically formed with basic geometric shapes.
While finding inspiration from Agnes Martin, Donald Judd + the colors of Oaxaca’s city walls, I more than quadrupled my collection of color, composition + texture photo studies like the ones below.
Out of my personal top ten, I chose one to weave. (pictured on the left, above if viewed on phone.)
Scroll down for process photos.
Process photos
Color + Minimalism Photo Study Woven with wool + dyed naturally
65cm x 80cm
Added to the design was a 4cm border in natural wool around the shapes to add some visual weight + framing.
Video Short - Jessie Mordine in Oaxaca
Video Short of Jessie Mordine at Thread Caravan’s textile residency in Oaxaca, Mexico. Please enjoy the sounds of the loom.
Artist residency Statement
I approached Thread Caravan’s month long residency without personal expectations placed on creation due to being emotionally engulfed by a recent traumatic event of losing my younger brother to suicide. I haven’t been able to be creative since, or at least, not in the same way as before — I move much slower now. Through various forms of therapy I have made significant progress healing mentally, + emotionally which has allowed me to participate in this beautifully curated month-long journey, but at my new slower pace. I observed through the camera lens + took video for a week. I wove a rug inspired by a photo I took two years ago with the help of Susi + Pancho. I have two textile patterns using natural dye resist techniques in progress + I am hoping to start an oil-paint/charcoal portrait series of the artists we have met throughout this journey after receiving their blessings. I laughed, smiled, listened, learned, + got my breath taken away multiple times by the pure beauty of human kindness, sharing, the mountains, + the joy of creation.
Thread Caravan - Fibers residency - aug 2021
This month-long program balances guided textile research outings with independent research time. It facilitates investigation and experimentation, connection and collaboration.
Thread Caravan’s inaugural fibers residency will take residents deeper into the textile traditions of the Oaxacan state, examining pre-hispanic materials and processes, their relevance in contemporary modalities, and the communities essential in their preservation. We will discuss ecosystems as they relate to materials, meet with artisans in rural indigenous communities and designers in Oaxaca City.