A weaving career is fraught with challenges. Self-employed weavers struggle for recognition and money. With all the difficulties, why do they continue with the tapestries, rugs and table runners? Because it's an artistic calling.
Suzanne Swannie has followed that calling for 40 years -- she taught weaving before striking out as a full-time artist. "I enjoy the flexibility of self-employment."
Swannie learned her craft in her native country of Denmark. She received her BA in textile technology in Sweden and went on to get her master's. Although many weavers are self-taught, Swannie firmly believes weavers who plan to sell their wares need a solid educational background.
"You need visual training to make your work unique and good enough to enter the market," she says. Visual training allows future weavers to find their own style -- and distinctiveness is what sells woven artwork.
Although very few weavers get rich, it has intrinsic rewards. "I have lots of great days. When I finish a product, I'm excited for the next one. I feel pride when I reveal new work."
Creating a finished woven product is time-consuming. Weavers painstakingly plan the design and color scheme. "You need to know how much yarn you need and what colors you want. How long it takes to complete a finished product depends on technique, materials and size. It's a slow process, and very meditative."
Weavers rely on their own creativity for design ideas. Like fine artists, Swannie relies on life experience for inspiration. "I digest life experience and something comes out. Instead of painting on a cloth, you're weaving it in."
Steven Medwin blends his beliefs with his passion. This Pennsylvania weaver has woven religious related art for eight years. Specializing has proven profitable. "The things I sell, nobody else sells. Finding your niche is the key!"
Medwin had always been attracted to weaving. His fifth-grade shop class had a table loom, but he was informed that weaving was "women's work." Medwin proved his teacher wrong -- in 1990, he picked up a magazine that featured weaving, tried a tapestry and never looked back.
Medwin runs his weaving business half the week. "I work three days as a mechanical engineer and three days as a weaver. Marketing is the hardest part of my business, but I can enjoy it. It's hard finding new markets. You must be very goal-oriented and make sure something is done for the day."
Medwin's artwork has been displayed nationally and internationally, and he's been featured in newspapers and weaving magazines. This continued success has netted Medwin a respectable part-time income, and allows him to do the work he loves.
But Medwin has been lucky -- he strongly recommends getting a solid education just in case. "Get a college degree. You may need to have another job. Many craft people have second jobs until they find their niche."