Natalie Grieshammer Patrick

Natalie it was great to have you back at Praxis! The images don't do the sparkly yarn justice ;)

Weaving on: Collin
Joining us from: Akron, Ohio

Tell us about yourself and what led you to the residency?

I am an arts leader, curator, and artist living in Akron, OH. I have been a fiber artist for over 10 years. My work employs sloppy craft and non-traditional materials to create large scale weavings that highlight feminist concepts. I also serve as Director of Artist Resources at Summit Artspace, in downtown Akron, where I lead and implement artist-serving initiatives, including exhibitions and artist care programs. Although my primary practice is weaving on a floor loom, I have always enjoyed creating digital collages, so DW is a great marriage between the two that I have been hoping to try.

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

No real experience from start to finish, this is my first time!

Any goals for the residency you'd like to share?

My goal for the residency was to translate themes in my current work into weaving that could be more image-based. I have been exploring the expectations, stereotypes, and shared experiences surrounding female sexuality. The work grapples with tension that many women feel daily about their identity, as we endure conflicting messages from mainstream media about our value in relation to sexuality. Themes like the virgin/ whore dichotomy, power dynamics, body image, sexual violence, and gender roles are all investigated throughout the body of weavings.

Connect with Natalie via instagram @meta_greasy; Website: https://nataliegrieshammerart.weebly.com