weaving
Studio JUMI
Please tell us a bit about yourselves. How did you become textile artists?
Miriam: I began my professional journey in the performing arts, having danced with various companies up until around five years ago. A pivotal shift occurred during a dance workshop in Thailand, where my fascination with textiles took root while traveling through Thailand and Laos. The realization struck that the rich history of these nations is intricately woven into their fabrics. During an internship at Studio Naenna in Chiang Mai, I delved into the profound stories of how minority communities in Laos and Thailand embed their narratives into textiles. I found myself captivated by this symbolic language interwoven with the cultural tapestry of the countries. My journey led me to weaving, drawn by storytelling, which, in turn, revived a connection with my background in dance and the visual language that binds it all together.
Julia: I pursued my fine arts studies at the Weissensee art academy, focusing on sculpture in a notably flexible academic environment. In the midst of this artistic exploration, I delved into the domain of weaving, sparked by my fascination for color. Initially, I experimented with natural dyeing methods, utilizing kitchen scraps such as onion, pomegranate and avocado skin. My artistic exploration extended to textiles—I began dyeing and printing on them. This organic progression led me to yarn and, subsequently, to the art of weaving. I found myself captivated by the freedom inherent in weaving. Interestingly, this artistic journey also became a personal reconnection. As I delved into weaving, I sensed a profound link to my mother, who had always been immersed in the world of threads, sewing, and knitting. It was an unexpected yet beautiful journey back to my roots.
What's the story behind the creation of Studio JUMI?
Julia & Miriam: We met two years ago during our ongoing four-year weaving program at the Werkhof Kukate. Both of us held a genuine desire to fully understand the intricacies of the looms, as many art universities often fall short in providing a comprehensive setup. The Werkhof is one of the last places in Germany where you can learn the traditional craft of weaving over an extensive period of time. As we got to know each other it became apparent that we shared a common goal – learning the craft not just to preserve it but also to keep it alive by combining it with the language of modern art. As the idea of Studio JUMI took shape, we were surprised about the similarities we shared — both living in Berlin, the same age with birthdays just a week apart and an admiration for similar artists.
Where did you both grow up? How have these places, people, and textile traditions influenced your current practice?
Miriam: Well, I grew up in the south of Germany, but my background is quite a mix—I'm half American and half German. Textile art was a constant presence in my life, thanks to my mother's avid interest. From as far back as I can remember, our shelves were adorned with books on the subject, like the book by Sheila Hicks, which always held a prominent place. My mom frequently took me to museums, nurturing my connection to textile as an art form. It never carried that conventional, traditional connotation for me. Interestingly, my grandmother was a weaver for a period. I recall visiting her house in America, where sizable looms and various equipment filled the space. As a child, I'd stand there, captivated by these intricate machines, always curious about their purpose.
What is the process and the thinking behind your pieces? Do you work together along the process or each of you focuses on specific steps?
Actually, we work together on everything. The entire process and the essence of the work are always subjects of discussion and exchange. In a way it’s quite inefficient but perhaps the art aspect comes into play here. We had our first significant exhibition in June 2023 last summer, creating several large scale pieces. While we wove side by side on one piece, more often than not, we weave the final piece individually. But it's not about who wove a particular piece. This studio thrives because we're both deeply committed to our shared vision. It transcends individual works and embraces our entire work process.
Collaborating as artists is a unique experience. It demands leaving egos outside the room. Having studied art, we were accustomed to individual processes. Now, it's about our collaboration, not about us as individuals. There's a profound human touch in our works, emphasizing dialogue and the art of coming together without compromising individual artistic integrity. That, we believe, is the essence of Studio JUMI.
We understand that you're blending unconventional and recycled materials from the textile industry and other sources with traditional pattern drafts in your work. Could you share your thoughts on why conscious creation and addressing environmental issues are such significant aspects of your work?
While our main focus isn't addressing environmental issues, it naturally intertwines with our work. Weaving in the past was a "poor woman's" craft, and was developed around the scarcity of material. In many crafts around the world, one worked with what was available. The evidence is clear in old hand-woven carpets or tapestries— they are a blend of whatever materials were at hand. Studying the craft with experienced teachers helps us learn ways to save material. The starting point of our work is often the material we have at hand and how we can improvise with it. It could be anything really, from traditional fibers like cotton, linen and wool to recycled like bike tubes or copper wire. The importance of our work lies in how the material shapes the textile and figuring out its characteristics in order to weave with it.
How do you both feel about working with your hands, and could you share more about the impact it has on your happiness and well-being?
Julia: I've always been a hands-on person. What appeals to me about weaving is the blend of mathematical thinking and manual work—it's this combination that gives me joy. And in the end, you've got something tangible in your hands, seeing the result of your efforts.
Miriam: Coming from a background in dance, particularly classical ballet, I draw parallels to weaving. Both demand a technical understanding for the final result to exude freedom and movement. This technical grounding, akin to the dialogue between body and machine in weaving, provides a solid foundation when connecting it to art. The loom demands understanding; there's no fooling it. Once you establish that language with the machine, improvisation becomes the exciting part. However, it does require sitting down, studying, and truly comprehending it.
What and who inspires you?
The Bauhaus weaving workshops from the 1920s greatly inspire us. In particular, the collaborative environment at the Weimar school, where women were initially placed in weaving workshops due to restrictions on other disciplines, produced remarkable works.
The integration of craft into visual art and the efficiency of the weaving workshops, which generated substantial income for Bauhaus, are compelling sources of inspiration. The ability of these artists to transcend limitations and contribute significantly to the school's legacy resonates with us as we navigate our own creative journey.
What upcoming projects make you excited right now?
Our limited edition of handwoven tableware from 2023 allowed us to engage with the food culture in Berlin. Unexpectedly it sparked some upcoming collaborations with restaurants and ceramicists in the city. With an annual series of a limited product we try to bridge the gap between craft preservation and a wider community.
This year we are participating at the XTANT Festival 2024 in Mallorca with some large-scale works. This balance between small projects and unique artworks enables us to delve into research, experimenting with materials and patterns. You can check out our latest special editions and artworks, available on our website. We're open to collaborations and custom works, enhancing the reach of our creations.
Where and how can people engage more with your work?
Website and social media like Instagram or facebook. You can also sign up for our monthly newsletter to see what’s going on at Studio JUMI.
website: www.studiojumi.com instagram: @studio.jumi Images by Jean-Paul Pastor Guzmán @jeanpaul_pastor_guzman and Chiara Lüghausen @chiaralueghausen (image two, three, four, twelve, and thirteen)
