Weaver Stories - Veena

A few weeks ago I asked for weaving stories. I received this email from Veena. One of the things I am always struck by is how, as creatives, we always find on outlet! And that has certainly been the case with Veena. I hope you enjoy her journey into weaving.

Veena writes:

I had been a successful potter for over 40 years selling in several galleries in various states. I was more or less self-taught going to workshops with several well-known, generous, and successful potters at the NYC YMCA, watching videos, and reading countless books. Then, about 4 years ago, I had to give it all up on the advice of my doctor because of bad arthritis, which got worse when I threw pots on the wheel. I was devastated,

So, I decided to try and teach myself how to weave on a rigid heddle loom, again reading many books and watching countless great YouTube videos by so many weavers. It has always amazed me how generous artists are with sharing information and helping those less knowledgeable in their art or craft. I also taught myself how to use spindles. I tried Turkish and drop spindles, but ended up falling in love with the support spindles, both Russian and Tibetan styles. Then a year ago, I found that I could not spin on a spindle for any length of time, as the arthritis in my wrists came in the way. So, on my daughter's suggestion, I decided to try an electric spinning wheel. I thought I would sail into this new venture seamlessly, only to find that, since I had never spun on a spinning wheel, I could not quite grasp the mastery of tension (the speed and tension necessary to get the right amount of twist into my yarn)! Again, with the help and advice of people online, I was able to get some control of this technique and can spin and ply fairly decent yarn. I have even tried spinning art yarn and have woven a couple of interesting arty pieces.

When it comes to art, I am not a very disciplined person. Maybe it is because I have never had any formal art eduction in any medium (I also paint in oil, do pen & ink, charcoal, and pen washes). In the beginning of my weaving journey, I followed patterns and made some nice scarves and shawls. 

Now, I am over 86 years old and find that my concentration is not what it used to be. So, I am following my free spirit and weaving pieces, in some cases, combining commercial and self-spun yarn, all in plain weave, just counting on texture and color to provide an interesting surface. Weaving and spinning will never replace my passion, which was pottery, but it gives me an outlet. Spinning on a support spindle still gives me more pleasure and joy than other spinning or weaving. I think it is feeling the texture of the various fibers go through my fingers as it is almost sensuous and is the closest approximation to the exquisite joy of shaping wet clay into a beautiful shape, as the wheel spins.

Thank you Veena for sharing your story!