Sarah H. Jackson, Textile Artist: July 2012

Monday, July 23, 2012

HGA Award for Weaving

I couldn't be more excited! Handweavers Guild of America (HGA) held their biennial international Convergence conference this past week in Long Beach, California. The winners of all the exhibits were announced at the close of the "Pacific Currents" Fashion Show Wednesday night, and I almost fell off my chair when my name was announced as the winner of the HGA award!

I was thrilled when my entry was juried into the "Longitudes" yardage exhibit several months ago, and it was exciting to see it as part of the display in the lobby of the convention center. Winning the HGA award is more than I ever imagined.

From HGA's website:

The HGA Award honors outstanding exhibited works. It is a prestigious award and may be presented only to work which clearly demonstrates excellence.

The HGA Award includes a certificate of accomplishment and a handwoven ribbon. Award winners receive further acclaim through publication in Shuttle Spindle & Dyepot, HGA’s quarterly award-winning magazine, and an opportunity to have their work appreciated by an international readership of fiber artists, enthusiasts, and collectors.

Award Criteria

Must embody a unique interpretation; demonstrate a fresh, individual approach, and express personal creativity.
Must exemplify a complete understanding of both aesthetic and functional considerations.
Must demonstrate excellence in technical skills.

I am honored beyond words.

The upper level of the lobby allowed access to the 8 x 8" touch panels that were required for each piece. These allow viewers the chance to examine the fabrics closely. The panels also include information about materials used, weave structure, etc.

Guess whose panel this weaver is looking at!

I had a wonderful, fun, inspiring week made more special by the many weavers and fiber people I met from all over the world. I can't wait for 2014!

Note: If you would like to read the post I wrote just after weaving the fabric, you'll find it here: Summer and Winter in Bambu 7

Welcome!

Artist Statement:
Handweaving, simple or elaborate; it all begins with one thread. To sit at  my loom and throw the shuttle while witnessing the interplay of color,  pattern, and texture as it develops into cloth is endlessly fascinating.
My design process often centers on color as I work within the limitations  of the loom to stretch and explore the possibilities of color interaction.
At other times I focus on the combination of structure and fiber, using  only one or two colors, to create the desired cloth.
Whether designing for the home or one-of-a-kind garments, my weaving  reflects a passion for marrying structure, fiber, and color to produce  cloth that is unique, practical, beautiful, and just right for my intended  purpose.

About Me

An early interest in art and textiles led me to the University of Kansas where I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with emphasis in textile design. I started weaving again in 2005 after an almost twenty year hiatus. Some of the things I did during that time include working for a publishing company designing and writing pattern instruction for knitwear, quilting, home schooling my son, and volunteering as a Stephen minister in my church. I am passionate about weaving (everyday, if possible!), color, and texture. When not weaving, I enjoy reading, gardening, and bike riding.

I have had numerous designs published in Handwoven magazine. In January, 2012, I joined their editorial team as a technical editor, and in January, 2015, I was offered the job of weaving editor.