Our makers never fail to motivate us, encourage our creativity, and fill us with inspiration. So, when a new design enters our assortment, we’re always excited to learn more about the person behind the product.
What gets an artist going and keeps them creating is certainly worth sharing, and every great connection starts with a simple introduction. Meet Mia Weiner, the artist behind our new Zodiac Embroidery Hoop Art.
When did you know you wanted to be an artist?
I’ve always been an artist and have always felt a need to make and work creatively! I believe in everything embroidered and became drawn to working with textiles because of their ubiquity in our everyday lives, and because of the loaded history of the medium.
What was the most exciting thing about becoming a professional artist?
The most exciting thing about being a professional artist is being able to share my work with the world. I want to add beauty to everyday life with unique and handmade works, which is why I created HOW COULD YOU? clothing. You can see some of my work from my fine art practice here: www.miaweiner.com.
What does your typical day in the studio look like?
I love to work in natural light, so after coffee and a little breakfast, I put on some music or Radiolab and start stitching as early in the day as possible. Embroidery and lace making are incredibly slow, so I like to nest with a pot of tea, my embroidery, and maybe some Netflix or an audio book if I can’t listen to any more music that day. On days that I am working on the sewing machine, I like to work in bursts. Every day in the studio is a little different depending on what projects I am working on!
Is there a trinket, talisman, or other inspirational object you keep near? If so, what is it and what does it mean to you?
I am extremely nostalgic and have a large collection of small objects, letters, drawings, notes, and gifts that travel with me. Above my bed, no matter where I am, I hang one of my favorite embroideries, a drawing from my best friend from when I was 16, and a picture my mother gave me. When it comes to inspiration, I find that it is the people I meet and the relationships I have that impact and influence my work the most. Human interaction is incredibly important to me and is a major theme in my work. Unlike some artists who need to work in solitude, it is when I am surrounded by people I feel the greatest urge to make. In turn, the objects I collect are so important to me because of the people and memories that are connected to them.
Imagine you just showed your work to a kindergartner for the first time. What do you think he/she would say?
I actually have a few kindergarten-aged cousins, and when they see my constellation embroideries they tell me all about the solar system (which they have just started learning about) and, of course, their birthdays. The large nudes that are part of my fine art practice usually elicit giggling and questions about why the bodies are connected (and why they don’t have any clothes on…?).
What quote or mantra keeps you motivated?
While it is not a work mantra, I have always love Anais Nin’s quote:
“I must be a mermaid. I have no fear of depths and a great fear of shallow living.”
and
“Has the pen or pencil dipped so deep in the blood of the human race as the needle?” – Olive Schreiner
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