
Woven Through Experience
‘Woven Through Experience’ explored the connections between craft, social interaction, and environmental consciousness, emphasizing the importance of preserving weaving traditions.
After a four-month research trip to Mexico and Guatemala, I became particularly interested in the weaving techniques of the backstrap loom. Inspired by these methods, I hand-carved seven portable backstrap looms from British oak and hosted free, public drop-in workshops across London in the summer of 2019. Over 117 people, most new to weaving, and each with unique backgrounds and experiences, contributed to a collaborative woven piece - long and narrow lengths of fabric, later joined together and displayed on a bespoke timber frame. This project highlighted the power of craft as a tool for connection, education, and accessibility, demonstrating how simple, low-cost techniques can bring people together and keep traditional crafts alive.
Photos and Videos by Craig Matthews, Camille Mack, Sara Kelly and Chris Gabe