A new group has emerged for those who follow weaving in the Nordic countries. The Nordic Weaving Network was established in February 2018, initially by Danish and Swedish weavers and researchers. Anyone can be a member, and through an active Facebook group you can follow weaving activities in the Nordic countries (plus Nordic weaving activities in the U.S.).
When American weavers hear “Scandinavian weaving” or “Nordic weaving,” they might think about historical coverlets with regional differences, like Norwegian skillbragd or Swedish opphämta weaving. Or Sami woven bands from the north of Scandinavia. They might think about a simple, graphic båtrye (a boat rya) from the West coast of Norway or a 20th century art rijuy from Finland. But an overall Nordic definition of weaving? To Americans in general, that might conjure an image of clean lines, a mid-century modern feeling.
It’s safe to say that most people in the Nordic countries are familiar with weaving traditions in their own countries, but don’t think about a group identity as Nordic weavers. The Nordic Weaving Network hopes to spark conversation and discussion about this concept of Scandinavian or Nordic weaving, with members who are interested in historical research and contemporary weaving. They hope to build relationships, encourage research, and promote weaving generally among the countries.
Follow along with the conversation by joining the Nordic Weaving Network Facebook group. New members are encouraged to post about their connection to Nordic weaving. There have been many links to exhibits and conferences. Whether your interests are in historical textiles or the latest contemporary weaving in Nordic countries, this is a great resource.
Origins and Ongoing Work of the Nordic Weaving Network
In June, 2018, Vævernes Hus i Denmark arranged an international seminar entitled “Scandinavian Weaving” where 25 participants from 8 different countries came together, partially funded by the Nordisk Kulturfond. It was there that the Network was conceived, a steering group was formed, and future goals and initiatives were planned. A report to the Nordisk Kulturfond on the seminar was approved in October 2018.
In 2018 the steering group worked on expanding the network, and many organizations, schools, and workplaces now support the Network.
An important goal of the Network has been to establish leadership representing the five Nordic countries. Currently, the steering group includes:
Annelie Holmberg, Textile Studie, Uppsala University, Sweden
Arianna Funk, Textile artist at Studio Supersju, Sweden
Gitte Karlshøj, Weaver and Designer at Vævernes Hus, Denmark
Kikka Jelisejeff, Development Manager for Taito, the Finnish Crafts Association, Finland
Merethe Stavnsbjerg, Board-member of Vævekredsene i DK, Denmark
Ragga Thorsdottir (or Ragnheiður Björk Þórsdóttir), Textile Artist at the Icelandic Textile Center in Blönduós, Iceland
Åse Eriksen, Textile Designer at Nordic Textile Art, Norske Tekstilkunstnere and
Norske Kunsthåndverkere, Norway
Tove Engelhardt Mathiassen, museum curator of historical dress and textiles at Den Gamle By in Aarhus, Denmark, is administrator of the Nordic Weaving Network Facebook group .
This triptych by Anne Marie Pedersen is currently the featured image on the Facebook page. Steering committee member Gitte Karlshøj wrote about it Pedersen, “She is a brilliant weaver and a wonderful person. I have never seen anything like her tapestry made in the technique of “Rosengang”. It demands lots of patiense, brainwork and creavity. Anne Marie Pedersen is a member of Weavers in West Zealand (Vævere i Vestsjælland) and the House of Weavers (Vævernes Hus). Here we are were proud of her and appreciate her skills very much.”