How do you create an art business that makes money without taking the fun out of what you're creating? What does it look like to create a social media presence that's vulnerable and authentic without feeling totally exposed? What does success mean in the wake of great personal tragedy - and how can you hold immense pride and gratitude along with loss? In this episode of Material Culture, we explore these questions and more with weaver Ashton Zager - who has been weaving and teaching for years, but shares a special connection with the online weaving community after the loss of her son in 2019. She shares with us about cultivating an work and family balance, the effect of social media on mental health and business practices, and more here. Topics discussed include: imposter syndrome, the pressure for artists to stick to their "brand", deciding which opportunities to pursue, and the expectations placed on us by the internet.
You can find more of Ashton's work at her website at ashtonzagerfiberart.com, or her Instagram @ashtonzagerfiberart.
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 MishMash rugs, a women-owned business making rugs with yarn from a fair-trade cooperative in Uruguay that champions the dyeing and spinning arts of Uruguayan craftswomen. Now for a limited time use code RUGHUG for 10% off your purchase of a colorful rug at mishmash.design. You can also find them on Instagram @mishmashrugs.
Thanks to Philadelphia-based musician Michael Myers for the use of his song, Weave off the album This is Only Light.