Hannah Waldron and weaving

I took a weaving masterclass with Hannah Waldron last year. I have always like the aesthetics of her work, but was becoming increasingly interested in her process as an alternative form of narrative. An interest in the tactile and the physical world is coming to shape my practise.

Hannah said some things during the class that I found really resonated with me, and that I totally agree with:

• Don't let yourself be limited by a conceived idea of what 'illustration' or image making is
• Value craftsmanship, and take care and pride in what you put out into the world - it is a window in your mind

I took away some new skills from that workshop and continued to develop them over the coming months, doing lots of small bits on the mini loom I had.
It was really interesting to see how seamlessly weaving become incorporated into practise, and how - through the process - I developed a new confidence in shape, colour and pattern (things I've often struggled with on paper). Through weaving I feel like I have opened up new opportunities for myself in how I work.

Hannah was also happy to answer questions from me about looms and yarns when I felt I was ready to progress onto bigger pieces