How do you develop a practice of art making that feels distinct to you? What does it look like to use fiber art to process and pass through emotions in the wake of trauma? In this episode of Material Culture, we explore these questions and more with weaver and painter Bryana Bibbs. She shares with us about starting to create art full-time just before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her work using weaving to connect domestic violence survivors in a community of healing. Topics discussed include: shame and stigma around therapy and leaving toxic relationships, the trendiness of weaving and how to make your own mark, experimenting with new materials, and continual healing.
You can find more of Bryana's work at her website at bryanabibbs.com, or her Instagram @bryanabibbs - make sure to check out "The We Were Never Alone Project" as well.
The Material Culture podcast explores narratives of weaving, (text)iles, art, manufacturing, history, and the people, workers and artists whose stories create the framework and understanding of living with cloth. Material Culture is produced by the yarn shop, textile studio and weaving school, Weaver House. If you have a question, comment or other feedback - you can leave a message for the podcast at weaverhouseco.com/podcast.
This month's episode is sponsored by Wild Hand, a Philadelphia-based yarn and fiber shop. Wild Hand is a community that believes in the magic of fiber craft: to bring together people who share a vision of an imaginative and just world. Now through the end of March use code MATERIALCULTURE for 15% off your first order at wild-hand.com. You can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.
Thanks to Philadelphia-based musician Michael Myers for the use of his song, Weave off the album This is Only Light.