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  • Art of Handweaving

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    Art of Handweaving

    The Art of Handweaving – Crafting Beauty and Sustaining Livelihoods

    By Liz Christy

    Art is a profound expression of human creativity that appeals to our senses and emotions, transcending the mundane to evoke feelings, thoughts, and experiences. Whether through music, painting, or weaving, the essence of art lies in its ability to connect with people on a deeply personal level. For artists, perfecting their craft is essential for artistic expression and sustaining their livelihoods. This intricate relationship between art and craft defines every artist’s journey, including those who weave stories through threads and textiles.

    Debate: The Art of Handweaving or the Craft of Handweaving

    In the art versus craft hierarchy, the distinction often becomes blurred.  An artist’s craft is integral to their artistry. Whether painting, singing, or weaving, the artist must hone their skills to excel in their field. This mastery of their craft elevates their work from mere creation to a form of art that resonates with people.

    Take singers, for example. They train their voices, practice muscle memory, and refine their techniques to deliver performances that touch the soul. Their dedication to their craft, combined with their artistic vision, is what makes them artists. Similarly, as a textile designer and hand-weaver, I challenge myself mathematically to plan weave structures, immerse myself in the world of colours and their emotional impacts, and practice muscle memory to enhance productivity. This dedication to honing my craft is what makes me a textile artist.

    Beyond Handweaving Techniques: A Symphony of Skill and Emotion

    Weaving is not just a ‘craft’, it is an art form that intertwines skill, creativity, and emotion. As a weaver, I am constantly engaged in a complex dance of planning, designing, and executing. The mathematical precision required in the craft of handweaving to create patterns, the intuitive understanding of colour, and the physical dexterity needed to operate the loom, are all part of the weaving process.

    The textiles I create are not just functional items; they are wearable art, crafted to bring joy and comfort to those who wear them. Each piece is a labour of love, a testament to the hours of practice and the dedication to my craft. The tactile quality of the fabrics, the patterns’ visual appeal, and the emotional connection they foster with the wearer all contribute to the artistry of weaving.

    My wearable art is deeply inspired, by the luminous and evocative works of Claude Monet, the master of Impressionism. Monet’s paintings, with their rich textures and vibrant play of light and colour, are a great source of inspiration. I strive to capture the essence of his artistic vision, translating his impressionist brushstrokes into woven patterns that evoke the same sense of wonder and beauty.

    Beyond the Loom: Embracing Entrepreneurial Skills

    Sustaining a livelihood as an artist involves more than perfecting one’s craft. Beyond practised handweaving techniques, it requires a diverse set of skills often not traditionally associated with the industry. In addition to the art of handweaving, I have embraced the roles of bookkeeper, marketeer, salesperson, supply chain manager, and sustainability advocate. These skills are crucial for growing as an artist and employer.

    The business side of artistry forms the support structure on which I hone my craft and train my team. Efficient bookkeeping ensures financial stability, effective marketing brings my creations to a wider audience, and robust supply chain management guarantees the availability of materials. Sustainability practices ensure that my art is environmentally responsible, reflecting my commitment to a better world.

    Leadership and Delegation: Trusting the Team

    As an entrepreneur, I have learned the importance of delegation and trust. While I take the lead in these skills, I do not need to be an expert in all areas. My team plays a crucial role in the success of my business, and I rely on their expertise and dedication. Delegation allows me to focus on my craft and creative vision while trusting my team ensures that every aspect of the business is handled with the highest standard of professionalism.

    Advocacy for Tourism: Celebrating County Monaghan and Ireland’s Ancient East

    In addition to my artistic endeavours, I am a passionate advocate for tourism in County Monaghan and Ireland’s Ancient East. This region is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and historical significance. By promoting tourism, I aim to share our unique charm and stories with a wider audience, encouraging others to explore and appreciate its treasures. Tours of my studio at Swallow Studios in County Monaghan offer visitors an immersive experience in the ancient craft of handweaving, where they can witness the sights, sounds, and smells of a living hand-weaving workshop and discover the vibrant tapestry of our local heritage.

    Conclusion: Crafting a Sustainable Artistic Journey

    Weaving as an art form is a journey of continuous learning, dedication, and creativity. It involves perfecting the craft’s handweaving techniques, embracing entrepreneurial skills, and leading with trust and delegation. For artists, their craft is not just a means to an end but an integral part of their identity and expression. By mastering their craft and embracing the necessary business skills, artists can create a sustainable livelihood, enriching their lives and the lives of those who experience their art.

    The concept of sustainability has always been a natural byproduct of our heritage craft. We’re always future-proofing and improving the sustainability of the business with continual training, upskilling and keeping abreast of latest policies and guidelines. We consider sustainability on every level, including environmental. Our approach to the production of garments is unique in how it honours patient, conscious application in the craft of handweaving. It’s the very opposite of today’s mass production of fast and throwaway fashion. We’ve embraced slow fashion for decades, long before it ever became topical or trendy. Our craft business model is a bright Green!

    In the end, whether through textiles, music, or any other medium, the true essence of art lies in its ability to connect with people, evoke emotions, and create beauty. For me, weaving is the medium through which I express my creativity and touch the lives of others, one colourful thread at a time. Inspired by the timeless beauty of Claude Monet’s paintings, my handweaving techniques create wearable art that brings the vibrant spirit of Impressionism to life, blending artistry with the everyday functionality of scarves. Through my work and advocacy, I aim to celebrate and sustain the art of handweaving and the rich cultural tapestry of County Monaghan and Ireland’s Ancient East.

    Our collections and collaborations showcase the art and craft in all we create. Discover the skill and inspiration behind our heritage scarves and wraps.

    The Monet Collection

    A life-long love of Monet in the fabric of arty scarves

    SHOP OUR COLLECTIONS

    The Kavanagh Scarf Collection

    Threading a local story of textiles, poetry and nostalgia

    SHOP OUR COLLECTIONS

    Kate Began Inspired Scarves

    The synergy of two artists through a distinctive collection  

    SHOP OUR COLLECTIONS

    Bragan Herringbone Scarves

    Creating from the freedom of nature in beautiful Bragan

    SHOP OUR COLLECTIONS

    Ancient Civilisations Herringbone Scarves

    A modern incorporation of a timeless decorative pattern

    SHOP OUR COLLECTIONS

    Renaissance Luxury Wraps

    A collection intricately looped into the Monaghan Lace story

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    One of a Kind

    Spontaneous moments entwine colourful threads of time

    SHOP OUR COLLECTIONS
  • Busy time at Swallow Studios

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    Busy time at Swallow Studios

    We are delighted to be involved in a few events happening this month in the run up to Christmas!

    Winter Fair 2019

    Liz is excited to have a stand at the Winter Fair in Bellurgan House in Dundalk. The Winter Fair run by Louth Craftmark and will have may local artists and crafters from the Louth/Monaghan/Meath area selling their work to the public. The fair is on November 22nd, 23rd and 24th. Follow the link to download free tickets for Winter Fair 2019.

    Louth Craftmark Winter Fair
    Louth Craftmark Winter Fair, Belurgan Park Dundalk Nov 22 to 24

    Mode Fashion Showcase

    The team at Swallow Studios Annayalla are very excited about the upcoming ‘Mode’ Fashion Showcase. Mode is taking place in the Westenra Hotel, Monaghan town on November 27th at 7.30pm. The event is a chance for local Monaghan designer makers to showcase their products and designs. Liz shall be showing her fabulous hand-woven scarves. Liz has been hands on with the planning, along with Monaghan Local Enterprise Office and Women in Business. It will be an excellent opportunity for people to see the wealth of talent in County Monaghan. A time to plan some Christmas shopping for #GreenFriday on November 29th. It will be a taster of some beautifully crafted fashion textiles, that will be available the following week in ‘Designer Crafts at The Market House’ in the run up to Christmas in Monaghan.

    Announcing Mode Fashion Showcase
    ‘Mode’ Fashion Showcase Nov 27th Westenra Monaghan

    House of Ireland Christmas Meet The Maker Event

    Liz’s customer, the long established House of Ireland, 114 Grafton Street, is hosting a ‘Meet the Maker Christmas Event’. Liz is looking forward to demonstrating her skills in the shop on November 28th. At House of Ireland customers will have the chance to meet and talk with Liz. She will chat about how she hand-weaves her luxurious Monet inspired scarves and of course her ever popular LizzyC Sheep. We have been super busy in the studio too. Her retaillers have been stocking up on their LizzyC Sheep Christmas Decorations.

    All in all, a super busy month ahead! And that is not even talking about our Swallow Studios Christmas Events…….and of course ‘Our Christmas Party’…shuuush

    House of Ireland logo

    Find Updates on what Liz is doing pre christmas

    Check out our new website

    Follow us on Instagram Facebook and Twitter

    Come pay us a visit to our Shop at Swallow Studios Annayalla Open Monday to Friday 10am to 6pm

  • Celebrating Our New Website

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    Celebrating Our New Website

    Welcome to the new Liz Christy Studios website. We hope you enjoy our vibrant and fresh site as much as we do!

    We have taken this opportunity to really honour our journey and showcase our products and it’s been a fun and interesting road to get here. We are grateful to all who have inspired, guided and cheered the beautiful end result.

    We are excited about this next step on the trail of our business and Swallow Studios. You can leave your feedback on our new website here

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