Karin Carlander

Weaver

©Maya Matsuura

©Ole Akhoej

©Rigetta Klint

Reinterpreting a Nordic tradition

Karin enjoys creating functional textiles
Her works carry the Masters of Linen® certification
She develops her textile designs on old wooden handlooms

Karin Carlander is a Danish contemporary weaver and textile artist, who reinterprets traditional Nordic crafts and the use of textiles for practical everyday purposes. Karin learned the craft of tapestry weaving at the age of 19, at French weaver Jacqueline de la Baume Dürrbach’s studio in Provence. In 1987 she graduated as a textile designer with a major in weaving from what is now known as the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, School of Design. During this time she developed a lifelong interest and respect for Japanese design and craftsmanship, and she spent three months studying in Japan. In 1988, Karin established her own studio. She has spent the following decades creating and exhibiting one-off handwoven textiles and creating textile designs for several established companies, before starting her own brand, Textile No. in 2013.

Interview

©Maya Matsuura

©Rigetta Klint

When did you realise weaving was your calling?: In my early childhood: I had a small loom, which I used to make gifts for my family. At this small loom I developed my love for the craft. The mysterious world of threads moving up and down in systems and colours has always fascinated me, and it still does.
How important are tradition and innovation?: I carry a deep love and respect for functional textiles inspired by Nordic crafts. I develop my designs in an experimental process that includes drawings as well as hands-on work on the loom, and which always leaves room for serendipitous discoveries.
What inspires your designs?: Nature and the dynamic interplay of tangible physical forms and light, its immaterial and fleeting nature that constantly changes shape. I try to capture these moments in my mind and then recreate them in my textiles.
Could your craft be considered in danger?: Definitely yes. Handweaving is a craft that requires time and space. On top of this, many skilful textile workers all over the world are not respected and paid in accordance with their expertise which presents a huge challenge and threat to the craft.

Karin Carlander is an expert artisan: she began her career in 1978