This workshop is an in-depth introduction to how a vast variety of patterns, textures, and image construction can be woven into cloth through patterning on loom and weaver-controlled techniques using the relatively simple straight-draw threading setup. We will read and discuss selected excerpts from weaver Anni Albers’ seminal text, On Weaving. That will guide us through the basics of plain weave, rib weave, basket weave, and twills before altering these loom-controlled weave structures within a basic structure with materials of differing size and textures. We will then use photographs and/or sketches to employ weaver-controlled techniques including brocade, clasped weft, inlay, split-shed damask, and tapestry techniques in order to draw images in collaboration with the loom. Participants will learn to dress the floor loom from back to front and leave with a series of small technical samples or experimental abstract compositions and at least one finished woven image-based work.
Instructor: Jesse Satterfield