Ashford Artist of the Month – Jun 22 – Deborah Jarchow
Welcome to our new blog feature – Ashford Artist of the month. I am looking forward to interviewing fibre artists from all around the world and sharing their stories with you. If you are interested in participating or know someone who would be a great artist to feature please contact me. Our very first artist is Deborah Jarchow – who we recently collaborated with to publish “Rigid Heddle Weaving Basics and Beyond” which just happens to be available from your local Ashford dealer now. I hope you enjoy learning more about Deborah and her fibre journey.
Kate
NAME: Deborah Jarchow, weaver, artist and author.
BUSINESS NAME: Handwoven by belle
Who are you, where are you from and what do you do?
I’m originally from Ohio, lived in Colorado for a few years, then in California for about 40 years. About 2 years ago, I moved to Prescott Valley, AZ. I weave, mostly on rigid heddle looms. I love teaching, weaving and writing about weaving and creating weaving patterns.
What was your background?
Over the years I’ve had many different jobs. In my early 20’s I worked as a server and bartender. For several years I worked as a travel agent. Then after going back to school and getting a business degree I was in management for a large company. While taking a break I discovered weaving and that became my passion.
How did you get started on your fibre artist journey?
When I was very young I learned embroidery and sewing. As an adult I enjoyed needlepoint, knitting and crochet. I was fascinated by weaving but did not want to make a commitment to purchase a loom without knowing how to weave. Then I met 2 wonderful ladies at a craft show and they taught me the basics and got me started.
How did your journey evolve over time?
When I first learned to weave, I jumped in eagerly. I read weaving books and tried every structure, yarn, color and whatever else I could imagine. Before too long I started selling my woven goods at craft shows and became a production weaver for many years, mostly specializing in garments woven with rayon chenille. After a while I was commissioned to weave large liturgical panels for many churches. Along the way I started teaching weaving. Then at one point I became interested in rigid heddle looms and started teaching on those. craftsy.com gave me my first taste of online teaching and I love that format. For the past 10 – 15 years I’ve focused on writing about weaving, designing patterns, and teaching. I love being able to share my joy in weaving with others.
What do you do with your creations/art/finished pieces?
Most of my creations these days are designed for classes or patterns.
If you sell your work – where do you sell it?
I do sell a few pieces locally through my guild.
How do you manage a balanced life as an artist?
It’s wonderful to be able to decide my own schedule. I try not to overcommit for teaching engagements so I have time in between jobs to design, create, and write. Being able to teach online has opened up my schedule enabling me to teach in many different places while staying at home and eliminating travel time.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Everywhere. I take lots of pictures of things I like and then use those colors or patterns in what I make. I also love being given a project or theme that I need to create a piece for. The challenge of working out a class or design around the theme that I’m given is such fun.
Do you have advice for people just starting out on their fibre journey?
Try anything! Don’t be discouraged if things don’t turn out exactly as you envisioned. Look at “mistakes” as opportunities to see how to do things differently. And stay engaged.
Where will your fibre journey take you in the future?
I’m not sure. During the next year I’m going to be traveling with some groups to both Peru and New Zealand which I’m really looking forward to. I’ve taught on a few cruises and I love those adventures. I’ve always kept my options open so when an interesting opportunity arises, I can take advantage of it.
