“Textiles: A Social Media Exhibition” features seven female artists utilizing textiles as a social media to encourage conversation about social justice issues. These artists have been specifically chosen because of their innovative use of the medium of textile that allows them to create conversation or comment on a variety of social media issues, especially the relation of social media to femininity.

Amy Jarding is one of these talented artists. Her work with weaving is exceptionally interesting, often integrating multiple materials into a single weave. Though she originally studied English and history in college, Amy began her art practice in photography and collage. “I began using fabric on my collages and the work became more tactile as I began working with materials more,” explains Amy. She even built her first loom in her backyard—out of a skate ramp! Not only does Amy create her work from textiles she finds herself, but people also give her materials and other items to use. “People will give me materials that are special to them,” says Amy, “It’s a way of continuing the legacy of those items.” Her works are predominantly woven with reusable materials.

Amy elevates traditional weaving to a level of complexity and beauty beyond what could previously be defined as craft. “[She] is trying to find a way to separate [herself] from craft” and have her work be pieces of fine art celebrating material and dimension. Though outstanding in their completion, Amy says that unless she’s working on a commission, she doesn’t plan out anything before beginning a weave. “If I prep and plan, I usually hate it,” laughs Amy. Rather, her process of weaving involves much problem solving, as well as following inspiration provided by colors and textures.

When discussing art in the container of social media, Amy states that “it’s very easy to lose the artists’ identity.” She discusses how a “second look” is so important in regard to art shared on social media because of the sporadic and speedy act of scrolling. In her own personal social media, she likes to “show the progression and the work that goes into the piece rather than just the final image.”

These works were intentionally selected to support and enhance discourse relating to the work of upcoming Visiting Artist, Marie Watt, and her sewing circle*. Through the sewing circle, Marie has collaboratively made quilts, objects, and installations involving and highlights intersections of history, community, indigenous teachings, and storytelling. “Textiles: A Social Media Exhibition” exists as a spark to ignite and maintain these important conversations.

“Textiles: A Social Media Exhibition”: opens March 6, at the Brick City Gallery and will be closing April 10. Address: 215 W. Mill St, Springfield, MO 65806. Hours: 11am-6pm Monday through Friday, Saturday noon-4pm, closed on holidays. Call 417-837-2330 for additional information.

*More information about the upcoming visit of Marie Watt is pending, as dates and activities are confirmed.