Justine Bossé

Kapara

Weaver

©Bertrand Béchard

Reinterpreting the art of weaving

Kapara means 'textile' in Hindi
Justine makes leather textiles for designers to use in their creations
She weaves leather to create her unique fabrics

Justine Bossé discovered leather weaving during her student years, and leather became her material of choice because of its myriad textures and the technical challenges it presents. In 2014, she set up her workshop Kapara, where she dedicates herself to working with leather skins using techniques of the highest level. She believes in reinvigorating traditional weaving techniques by incorporating leather into textiles. The result: high-quality fabrics created from surprising and new leather yarns. With an exploratory spirit, Justine Bossé has reinterpreted textile weaving from her workshop in Nantes to create unique designs.

Interview

©Bertrand Béchard

©Bertrand Béchard

Why did you choose leather weaving?: I had a strong desire to do something with my hands. I have always loved touching materials and transforming them into something new. Working on textiles came into my life in 2009, and in 2012 I discovered leather weaving, at which time leather became my favourite material.
Do you master specific techniques to weave leather?: Yes, traditional low smooth weaving that I adapted to the leather laces to be able to create fabrics with mixed materials and leather. I combine materials and textures to create new surfaces. My loom is the extension of my arms; without a dialogue between the loom and myself, the textiles could not be created.
How do tradition and innovation interweave in your work?: Tradition is at the service of creativity. In weaving, it is really the way in which the colours and materials blend together that brings surprises. And I use innovation to help expresses my artistic vision. I create patterns on a computer before weaving them on my loom, which allows me to compose a wider range of patterns.
Could your job be considered in danger of disappearing?: For me, weaving is increasingly returning to the forefront. It is up to us as professionals in textile crafts to continue to keep this know-how alive and to pass it on to the next generation.

Justine Bossé is a master artisan: she began her career in 2014 and she started teaching in 2018