Cassie Arnold Q&A
We catch up with fibre artist Cassie Arnold
Ahead of her Family Make and Take Weaving Session, we caught up with fibre artist and educator Cassie Arnold, whose work features in Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood.
Published
We’re super excited to welcome you to Dundee. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your practice?
I am thrilled to be a part of this show and I can't wait to teach this weaving workshop to your community! I am a conceptual artist from Denton, Texas and I use fibres as my primary medium as a way of processing and exploring connections to my life as a woman and caregiver. Being a self-taught knitter, I only started incorporating fibres into my work five years ago. I am also a very passionate educator and find that it's important to give students the resources and space to create, because it was something I didn’t have access to as a kid. When I'm not teaching or knitting, I'm adventuring with my partner and our three kiddos.
Your piece School Uniform (Bulletproof Dress) features in Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood - how did Hettie Judah approach you about featuring your work in the exhibition?
Hettie (Judah, Curator of Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood) has been incredibly supportive of my work over the years! She first reached out to me through Instagram after seeing my piece 1 in 4 (I had a miscarriage). She featured the work in the exhibition Naissance/ Re-Naissance sponsored by Unit London, and then asked if I would like to be a part of Acts of Creation after I made School Uniform (Bulletproof Dress).
Have you seen much of the other work that features in the exhibition? Is there another piece that stands out to you and why?
I've only seen the show through photos, but already so many pieces have stood out and resonated with me! I have been a huge fan of Billie Zangewa, Liss LaFleur, and Carrie Mae Weems’ work for a long time. I love how Weems documents the rawness of every day life in her Kitchen Table Series. Through the exhibition I've been introduced to Jessa Fairbrother’s work which I can't wait to see in person!
What can visitors expect at your weaving workshop?
Visitors can expect an approachable, inviting, family friendly workshop! No experience is needed to join the class, and I want everyone to come with the expectation that we are going have fun with our family members and learn a few basic weaving skills along the way.
What's next on the horizon for you?
I have my first ever solo show this summer in Australia and this fall my work is being featured in a publication about contemporary fibre artists that’s set to be released in Paris! Other than that, my plans are to keep knitting about life experiences and playing with my babies.
Thanks Cassie!
We can't wait to welcome families to Cassie's Family Make and Take Weaving Session to experience the magic of learning and creating together. The workshop is specially timed so you can come by after school and designed for the whole family to take part. All materials, plus a healthy snack and drink are provided. You'll receive hands-on instructions, plus a small booklet and loom to take home .
To find out more about Cassie and her practice, visit her website here.