February 8, 2023    7:00 PM

 "The Art of Transparency Weaving" with Laura Viada

 

Transparencies are fun to weave and present a wealth of opportunities for expression and design. A close relative of the tapestry, the distinguishing characteristic of the transparency is the contrast between opaque areas of pattern inlay and the sheer background cloth. Transparencies can be stand-alone art pieces, or they can be functional items such as window coverings, table linens, and wearables. This lecture will cover the basics – yarn choices, sett, weaving tips and techniques, and design sources, sources and methods, and considerations such as finishing, use, and presentation.

Bio

Using linen, silk, cotton, and metallic threads as her “paints,” Laura Viada creates visually complex works using the simple elements of geometric form and the interaction of color.   Laura employs many different weaving techniques, but her “go to” favorites are diversified plain weave and transparency.  She has taught both topics widely over the last 15 years, including three Convergences and numerous regional conferences. Laura grew up in Houston, Texas.  While taking a pause from a demanding career in law, she learned to weave, fell in love with the world of fiber and never looked back.  For the past 25 years, Laura has been an active member of Texas’s fiber art community. She is a past president of both Contemporary Handweavers of Houston and Contemporary Handweavers of Texas.  Laura spent 9 months in 2008 as an Artist-in-Residence at the Houston Center for Contemporary Craft and served on the Center’s Artist-in Residence Selection Panel from 2013 to 2015.  She is currently represented by Archway Gallery in Houston, Texas.

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