MEET THE Maker: Meghan Spielman
Our next ‘Meet the Maker’ is American weaver Meghan Spielman. Her work has always caught our eye because she has such a passion for colour and texture. She specialises in jacquard and computerised-dobby weaving creating beautiful artworks that we one day hope to own ourselves!
Meghan, tell us a bit about your background? Have you always studied textiles?
I started out studying fashion design at Parsons in New York. By the end of my time there I realised that I was more interested in constructing textiles than garments. While in school, I did an internship at a textile mill in Paris where I first learned how to weave. Speaking very little French myself it was an amazing way to connect with people through making rather than language. From then on, I never stopped weaving. I went on to study a Master’s in weaving at the Royal College of Art, which allowed me the time and resources to explore textiles in a fine art context.
What inspires your work?
The interaction of colour, material, and structure are at the core of my work. My process is quite intuitive and reactive, which I relate to abstract painting. I have always admired abstract painters, especially females such as Georgia O’Keefe and Hilma Af Klint. I am interested in making pieces that invite the viewer to pause and take their time to discover all of the moments within the work, either quiet or complex, and ultimately ask the question, what are the boundaries between painting and textiles? At what point is something classified as one or the other?
What is the most important part of your process?
It’s difficult to pick one thing, but I would say collecting materials is a very important part of my process. Having a wide range of colours and fibers available while I am weaving a piece is crucial, it allows me to react and discover interactions that I never could have planned - and I love the spontaneity!
Have you always had a good eye and passion for colour?
I worked for several years as a colourist for interior textiles, which allowed me to spend countless hours pondering, researching, and playing with colour. Colour has always been an integral element of my artwork, and the interaction of colour is what interests me the most. I often feel like I am indulging in colour combinations that excite me while I weave, and I question whether to jump in or hold back.
What has been your favourite collaboration?
Recently I launched a collaboration of 100% Donegal wool blankets and pillows with Vevar, a bespoke mill based in Glasgow. The collection transcribes the language of my woven artwork into accessible home products that can be cherished for years to come.
What are you most proud of?
Good question! I am proud of continuing to overcome the many fears and uncertainties that come along with investing in yourself and taking the leap into your own business.
It’s been a difficult year for us all, what’s one piece of advice you would give a new creative?
Connect with artists/makers that you admire and find your community. Things have certainly slowed down for everyone this past year, offering support and listening to shared experiences will help us all get through.
What do you find is the biggest challenge about running your own business?
I love the freedom of choosing how to spend my time, but I find deciding how to prioritise that quite challenging. I always want to put making artwork first (of course it’s what I enjoy the most!) but if I also don’t spend the time to promote it, my work won’t reach anyone. It’s a balancing act.
What’s something you couldn’t live without?
GPS navigation, weave structures make sense to me – a sense of direction does not!
What’s next in store for Meghan Speilman?
Recently I relocated my studio from Brooklyn, New York to Bozeman, Montana. Having grown up in Montana I am so excited to return to nature and family and have more time and space to pursue my artwork. I am looking forward to making a new body of work inspired by this shift, hopefully at a large scale!
How can we get our hands on some of your pieces and watch your journey?
I always welcome sales and commission inquiries through my website www.meghanspielman.com or Instagram @meghan_spielman
We went to Royal College of Art with Meghan and it has been so lovely reading what she is up to. We also have to agree - a GPS is very much needed! We have always been obsessed with the colour and texture Meghan creates in her artworks so it is so great to hear all about her journey, we hope you enjoyed reading her story too!
Our next ‘ Meet The Maker’ is on and off the loom weaver Sarah Ward, who is the owner of Lark and Bower.
Next ‘Meet the Maker’ will be posted on the 29th of August 2021.
