Wild Yarn
Creating hand-spun yarn from ethnical fibres
Imogen Bright Moon
Looking at the cover of Wild Yarn, I felt underwhelmed, it seemed so alien from my own art practice. On reading though, it is the sense and the meaning behind Imogen’s practice which makes you really want to read further, no matter what your own favoured textile art method is. Within Wild Yarn, the wording is key to note. The idea that this type of craft is subtle, gentle, slow. I felt that this form of work is not just about the art, it is about what it is going to our very senses. I loved on page 14 where she compares our relationship with colour and its formation as gentle, even telling a story.
I do not belief that this book should be read in order, or chapter to chapter, as its about the whole rhythm, just like its very topic - it is strung together with with meaning. In brief formation terms, the book comprises of several sections, the first giving us insight into the materials, the second being about the dyes of the yarn. I can imagine this form of craft to be quite silent, immersive, soothing. It is about the natural world around us and really having an active role in not only noting it but partaking it its wellbeing.
She demonstrates how to choose and combine fibres, blend, dye, hand spin. This is no novelty technique, it seems as if a life style is formed around it. I found the whole book to be a comfort actually. It opened my eyes to what I had previously looked at as all very same looking a technique.
The photography is settling, often very simple, with just a few strands on the proffered yarn placed alongside say, the tools needed.
I loved on as an example page 110 where we observe a project in a sea setting. The colours are so matching and connective and now I truly see where this artists heart lies…entrenched in a rural, nature built life and really, isn’t that where we all should be? Sweeping away the man man, no not turning old fashioned, but returning to a simple, nourished and wholesome existence.
I enjoyed reading the first reviews on this title, I am sure the author will be encouraged reading them, some words I took to mind and heart were ‘inspirational’, ‘a wonderful journey’, ‘beautifully told’, ‘spirit’, ‘story’…..
My opening gambit used the word underwhelmed. Lets change that, really all I now want to do is get a warm cosy blanket (in the natural colour tones inspired by this very book), a hot flask and a windy neglected beach and just sit and give myself entirely to this book - it is meditation, its yoga for the mind.
With notes on projects, which you can taint with your own style…
Have I convinced you yet?
If so, your copy can be bought here through the publishing house directly.