By Ingrid Keneally
Artist Maryanne Moodie moved to New York from her Australian home of Melbourne over two years ago. In that time she has never stopped working in textiles and results are showing - her weaving business is totally flourishing. “I now employ three lovely ladies and we have our own studio where we run workshops, sell weaving kits and I also weave,” says Maryanne.
Maryanne’s work is textural and graphic with pops of colour, and the designs are breathtaking. In a collaborative exhibition with two other Australian textile artists, Natalie Miller and Genevieve Griffiths, called ’New World’, at Koskela in Sydney last June, Maryanne incorporated some KPC yarns in her work for the space.
When not designing, teaching or weaving in her Brooklyn studio Maryanne enjoys spending time with her husband and two small children.
Describe how you work with wool:
I make wall hanging tapestries. I love to really let the wool speak for itself and find its own voice in my pieces. I try not to think too much and direct the yarn, but rather put my ego to the side and allow the fibres to dictate the direction of the piece.
A pivotal moment in your early career:
I think my entire fibre journey has been one of fortune and luck. Teaching at Megan Morton’s The School was a big moment for me and it helped me build confidence in myself as an artist and an educator.
The professional achievements you are most proud of:
Being in Oprah Magazine was pretty exciting.
Is there anything you wish you’d known when you were starting out in wool?
I have enjoyed the journey and learning whilst I go. I wouldn’t want to rush that experience.
Why do you think wool/handmade textiles are so fashionable right now?
People want to move away from mass-produced fast-fashion and back to hand-made, loved and laboured objects. Things to keep rather than toss away after a few years.
What is your dream wool project?
Something sculptural and 3d. Working in collaboration with an artist from another discipline where we can fuse out arts together to say something new.
Which artists who work in the wool/textiles field have inspired you?
I love Nick Cave and his sound suits for their naiveté and colour. I also love Tanya Aguiniga who is a West coast fibre artist.
What is your favourite woollen item in your wardrobe or home and why?
I have an incredible vintage 1970’s hand-woven and hand-dyed long vest. It is gold and purple and absolutely amazing. It is a work of art.
Describe your workspace:
Lots of natural light, plants, vintage rugs, baskets of yarn, good tunes to sing along to and lots of laughs.
Best beginner’s task:
Just do it.
The KPC Yarn hue that speaks to you and why:
I love the soft cashmere yarn in the pastel gelato shades.