Helena Sarah Richardson

Joining us From: Wooster, Ohio

On Loom: 1

Tell us about yourself and what led to the Residency?

I work primarily in drawing, writing, & textile processes – interlacing strings & structures, colors & textures into storied cloth. Hand & digital looms bring order to the chaos of loose threads & wild fibers – natural & synthetic. I use almost anything as a weft – like a kinetic verb that moves left & right, back & forth – intersecting a warp. Weaving is my meditation. The finished cloth traps narratives that I see playing out in my imagination & in the world. I am grateful to Praxis – a welcoming place that supports experimentation as well as provides tools & space to weave fast & big!

Have you had any previous experience with Digital Weaving or Jacquard?

Yes, I've been fortunate to weave at Kent State University and Praxis Fiber Workshop and keep learning from every new file.

Any goals for the residency that you would like to share?

Prepare a dyed warp in a crescendo of pinks to reds to magentas.

Dye a variety of cotton wefts in fine to chunky yarn.

Weave a few pieces about breathing and meditation techniques taught in local Art of Living groups in Northeast Ohio.

Experiment with 1, 2, 3, and 4-weft cloth constructions.

Explore topics of animals, gardens, oceans, and sleep.

Remember to weave, rest, and repeat during the Residency!

Connect with Helena:

Instagram @helenasarahrichardson