Helene Vonsild

1 + 1 Design

Weaver

Weaving a way of life

Helene's weaving art is inspired by nature
The feel and mood of the material dictates her artistic direction
She collaborates to explore new ways for her art

For Helene Vonsild, nature is the overall theme: it serves both as inspiration and artistic destination. The tactility of the elements and the feel of the materials have their own story; the art then lies in listening and retelling it. Helene's work reflects on the environment around her, as well as themes such as life, death and the role of fate. She believes life and art exist in a reciprocal relationship, and this informs her creations. Her pieces are intended for everyday and to last until eternity, both her functional work and her installation pieces. Her work ties the past and the future together through using traditional techniques and re-interpreting them, inspired by contemporary creative collaborations.

Interview

How do innovation and tradition feature in your work?: Expression always comes first, then I decide if the technique required is best suited for a digital or the hand-operated loom. When I work on my artistic projects, technique becomes secondary. Here I choose and go by my intuition and heart. I use ancient techniques dating back to the Viking times.
How does nature inspire your work?: In Denmark, we feel the changing of the seasons quite dramatically: the melancholy of autumn and the crispness of winter, the lush beaches of summer, and the bare, ravaged beaches of winter. The sea is a constant inspiration for my work. I need to see and feel it every day.
Why do you enjoy collaborations?: I am always curious and constantly searching for new ways to express my art. Working with industrial design, functionality and space dictates my method. This framework limits my creativity but also sets it free. Constraints can be creatively liberating.
What is the most valuable thing you have learned from weaving?: I’ve learned to listen to what the material is telling me. My craft is about bringing out the essence of the material - the feel and mood of the material dictate the expression, which in turn dictates the method. It’s a humble and very gratifying approach.

Helene Vonsild is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1996