Textile art & quilting
Lanni Loucks
Please tell us a bit about yourself.
My name is Inés, I'm a textile artist from Barcelona, currently living in A Coruña, Spain. When I was studying art history at university, I fell in love with weaving. I found a workshop where I learned how to use traditional looms, and afterwards, I experimented with different looms, particularly the high-warp loom. After working for a few years in the advertising industry as an assistant art director, I made the conscious choice to wholeheartedly devote myself to honing my skills, pursuing my artistic endeavors, and committing to my craft.
What first led you to textiles and why did you specifically turn your attention to tapestry weaving?
Growing up, I always pictured my grandma knitting, so step by step I learned from her and I never stopped experimenting. Through my formative years, I tried many different mediums like painting and I also did for so many years ceramics, but I always felt drawn to textiles. Tapestry has a unique combination of colors, textures, and materials where I feel free to express myself.
Where did you grow up? How do you think that these places, people, and textile traditions are now manifesting in your art?
I grew up in Barcelona, where art, architecture, and creativity are very present. There is always something going on and so many things to do. Also, being surrounded by creative friends with shared interests definitely was an education. I am particularly captivated by textile art from the golden age of the 1960s and 1970s, which included the emergence of pioneering artists such as Aurelia Muñoz and Josep Grau-Garriga, whose influence remains significant to this day.
I think that Barcelona also has this other side, that the city provides an environment of calm and quietness with soft colors and light, tamed by the Mediterranean, that influenced my aesthetics.
What is the process and the thinking behind your projects?
I often seek inspiration from various sources, such as nature, films, and art, drawing from the recent occurrences in my day-to-day life. I'm constantly drawing and painting in search of new designs. Once I embark on a design, I carefully choose yarns that align with my desired color palette and possess the appropriate texture for the project at hand. I use local wool and reclaim or recycle when it's possible. Then I transfer the design into the cotton warp that will serve as the tapestry backbone. I scale it to the desired size. And finally, I start weaving. Every knot is made by hand. It's a very physical process that requires a lot of care and passion.
Can you share your thoughts on how important time is in developing such great details in your pieces and how do you respond to the challenges of weaving?
Time is in the very essence of weaving. Being a completely manual craft, it takes time for an idea to take shape. Often, you need to unwave and re-weave so that the final result matches your expectations. However, the tapestry evolves through the process, and shapes and colors interact in unexpected ways, so you need to keep an open mind and follow your intuition. It's a truly magical process. You can plan everything, but you never know what's going to happen.
What and who inspires you?
Nature inspires me the most. Living by the sea, surrounded by fields, I find the ever-changing landscape fascinating. The shapes and colors of flowers often find their way into my designs. I also enjoy walking around my neighborhood, capturing pictures and discovering interesting details and moments that inspire me. Art is another significant source of inspiration for me. I feel a deep connection to the works of artists such as Hilma af Klint, Georgia O'Keeffe, Etel Adnan, and many others. My art history degree has played a role in fostering this appreciation, as I thoroughly enjoy visiting museums and galleries. It's difficult to put into words, but it's something I truly cherish.
How do you feel about working with your hands? Can you tell us more about the impact it has on your happiness and well-being?
Weaving helps me maintain balance and stay connected to my emotions, allowing me to be present in the moment. I take pride in working with my hands and preserving the tradition in today's world. My weaving process hasn't significantly changed from the techniques used by ancient artisans thousands of years ago, creating a direct connection that makes me feel accompanied. Additionally, the loom I use holds special significance. It was crafted by an artisan who is now 80 years old and has retired. I purchased the loom from her, carrying on its legacy.
We strongly believe that crafts provide an ideal setting for environmental and social change. How can we create more space for that?
This question was really difficult to answer, but I've thought about it, and here's what I want to share. In today's world, there are so many things to do, but I believe that social media is a powerful tool for giving visibility to every step of the work process within the crafts world. It allows us to learn more about the source materials, their origins, and the processes involved in their collection and transformation. We can gain a deeper understanding of the tastes and sensibilities that inspire the designs. Additionally, we can witness artisans at work, appreciating the care and effort required to create each object.
This social consciousness helps us cultivate more responsible and eco-friendly consumption habits. Personally, I am constantly learning and striving to incorporate upcycling and repurposing materials into my work as much as possible.
What upcoming projects make you excited right now?
I'm currently working on new pieces that I will love to exhibit and I’m also going to teach soon some waving workshops.
Where and how can people engage more with your work?
People can follow my work and contact me through Instagram @inez_prat or on my website www.inezprat.com. For those who are in A Coruña, you’re welcome to visit my studio.
