Laura first encountered weaving on an elementary school trip. Not until she saw some diagrams of tablet weaving at an experimental archaeology lecture during her college semester in Germany did she realize there was weaving that could be done without a giant antique barn frame loom. The discovery of low-tech weaving set her on a life-long path of exploration encompassing a BFA in Fibers, the acquisition of a great many books, and the tendency to spend a lot of her vacation time at textile conferences.
Prehistoric Textiles of the Americas
The arid lands of Peru and the American Southwest are among the few places in the world where prehistoric textiles are preserved so well that it is easy to fully admire the skill, creativity, and dedication of their makers. A brilliant variety of techniques was used to create fabrics for purposes from functional to ceremonial, incorporating different selections of fiber, weave structure, and surface design. In this seminar, we will survey some of the many extraordinary examples found in these regions, increasing our understanding and appreciation as we come away with inspiration for our own work.
