Chris Acton was educated in Interior Design and Music Performance at Indiana University, and then led a successful career in Interior Design/Space Planning for the next 13 years. Throughout this journey, she continued to be called to fiber arts and crafts. In 2005, she took her first Weaving class and found her footing as an artist. I asked her a few questions to find out more about her craft.
Arwen Fine: What or who is it that most inspires your weaving?
Chris Acton: I have always loved colors & patterns! Growing up with an elementary school teacher for a mom and a retired home economics teacher for a grandma, I value a new box of Crayons above all else! Matter of fact, there are still many a Christmas that one shows up in my stocking! That combined with my love of patterns makes for a never ending supply of inspiration for a weaver!
AF: What is it that draws you to fiber for your art?
CA: Fiber, and in particular, weaving, calls to me for a number of reasons! Whenever I take those right brain/left brain tests, I am typically right down the middle. And I have found that weaving has the correct proportion of controlled organization and fanciful creativity for me. I've always been good with math and structure, while also being comfortable thinking outside the box. And honestly, I don't love getting my hands dirty, which meant I was never going to be a potter or a painter! So something with yarn was a great solution!
AF: Is it hard to find the "right" loom for your work?
CA:
AF: I know that weaving is a lot more technical than people know. Can you explain the weft, warp, and embellish on the different patterns that can be created?
CA: Weaving can be very complicated, for sure! But I always drill it down to the simple, yet almighty pot holder loom. I love those things! I still have my red plastic one from the 70's! Warp and weft refer to placement of the yarns (or loops, if we are sticking with the pot holder description). The warp goes in first and provides the structure. It is typically pulled tight to create some tension. The weft (or "woof" as was the old term) goes over & under the warp, usually at a 90 degree angle. When I give demonstrations, I say the warp runs through the loom, and the weft releases from the shuttle.
AF: What is next on your agenda? Other products?
CA: I am always on the lookout for new products! The most recent addition was a Travel Bag - a mid-size crossbody that will fit any phone and a pair of sunglasses. There was definitely a need, because the cell phones kept getting bigger and had quickly out grown my small Mini Bag! As for what is next, I would love to dabble in home goods. Whether it is pillows or table runners, I'm not sure yet. But, I feel like my style of weaving will be a good fit. Fingers crossed!
