Scott Hanratty

Name: Scott Hanratty

Studio location: Columbus, OH

Website / social links: @scott_bassoon

Loom type or tool preference: J-Made Loom 12S, 14T 60”W

Years weaving: 8

Fiber inclination: Linen

Current favorite weaving book:  Greatest Hits Weaving Book by Complex Weavers

 

 

1. How did you discover weaving and was what your greatest resource as a beginner?

The year I turned 40, I told myself I needed something to do other than my 60+ hr a week job. I have always admired handwork and handcrafted items especially items for the home.  I did some research on the web and found that there was a place to learn weaving and textile here in Columbus, OH.  I signed up for a class and was hooked at the very first class.  I had a very energetic teacher Pat Bullen, who created so much excitement around the craft.  I dove in headfirst and I have been diving deeper ever since.

2. How do you define your practice – do you consider yourself an artist / craftsperson / weaver / designer / general creative or a combination of those? Is this definition important to you?

I listened to a talk given by Jack Lenor Larsen, he called the people who wove for him, “crafts-people”. I connected with that title. Craft in the meaning of respecting a time honored craft, like a boat maker, Potter or someone who makes hand made furniture. They spend a lifetime perfecting the craft. I do not consider myself an artist. I feel artists are more comfortable taking big risks and experimenting. I am more interested in having a clear roadmap and continually sharpening my technique with each weave.

3. Describe your first experience with weaving.

My first weaving experience, I took an 8 week beginner weaving class at the Cultural Arts Center in Columbus, OH. We had to decide what we would like to weave. My first project was a wool rug. I still have it proudly displayed in my entryway of my home. The edges are wavy and beat was uneven. It is a daily reminder where I have come from, and how my weaving has progressed. I have also learned that weaving is not for every personality. There are latterly thousands of opportunities for mistakes. The challenge I enjoy is trying to minimize the mistakes; this craft pairs well with my persistent and meticulous personality.

4. What is your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished piece? Are there specific weave structures, looms, or fibers that are important to your process?

I am a self-professed Chromophobe. I am not interested in weaving with color. Greys, blacks whites, tan to browns, with an occasional blue and green (those are neutral too right?) I mostly weave Home Décor items. Blankets, rugs, tablecloths, runners, Coverlets etc. (But I have been known to weave a scarf or two). I usually think about what item is needed or whom I will gift to, and then search interesting weaves structures. In the past I used graph paper and pencil to make all of my drafts. Computer software has really help to speed that process. I would then find material for the project. I try to by the very best material I can afford at the time. Historic and Scandinavian weave structures are my favorite, although I am not necessarily interested in weaving them in a Historic style. Those structures have been around for a very long time. I like the structures of yesterday, updated in today’s materials.

 5. Does your work have a conceptual purpose or greater meaning? If so, do you center your making around these concepts?

The Weaving does not have a deeper meaning. My only thought going into each pieces is, will this live on longer than myself? I think of my “legacy” and what I am going to leave behind. This is a large reason why I weave in Linen; the material should last longer than Cotton for example.

 

6. What is your favorite part of the weaving process and why? What’s your least favorite?

My favorite part of weaving is actually Sleying the Reed. I know that sounds odd and not sure why, but I think that means I am almost ready to weave when I get to this step. It’s relaxing and meditative. Least favorite is hand-sewing hems for woven items off the loom.

7. Where do you find inspiration?

I see color inspiration from nature mostly. Interesting colors from Bark on trees, and million grey shades pebbles on a stony beach all can help in inspiring a new weaving project.

8. What other creatives do you admire – weavers, artists, entrepreneurs – and why?

I really enjoy weavers from a generation or two before mine. Peter Collingwood, Anni Albers, Ethel Stein and Francis Goodrich. Swedish weavers Marta Maas-Fjetterström, Malin Selander and Ulla Cyrus. Also Weavers of today- Katie Meek, Elisabeth Hill, Susan Conover and Marjie Thompson.

9. If you could no longer weave, what would you do instead?

I would work in a bakery making breads and pastries. But, I would be sad all day if I couldn’t weave.