Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Utts.
Kathleen, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Kathleen Utts
Saori Weaver and Textile Artist
wimberleyvalleysaori.com
(512) 569-1668
As a girl, fashioning ‘distinctive apparel’ for my dolls and my dog eventually led to making my own clothes. This kindled my interest in Home Economics and after college, I pursued a career in Nutrition as a Registered Dietitian in Austin, Texas for the next twenty years.
Our family then moved to Wimberley, Texas and purchased a 40-acre wildlife ‘paradise’, beginning a love affair with the Texas Hill Country with its’ beautiful sunsets, gently rolling hills and expansive views. I jumped into organic gardening and loved raising our children in a farmlike setting – complete with chickens, a feral emu, a llama, and our own herd of alpacas. Their annual shearing provided beautiful fiber that inspired opening a yarn shop in Wimberley. I became immersed in the ‘fiber arts’ by knitting, spinning yarn, and, eventually weaving.
I then sold my yarn shop. Weaving now became my new obsession, especially after I discovered a Japanese style of weaving called SAORI. SAORI weaving is both a philosophy and a line of brilliantly designed, simply constructed looms and accessories. The philosophy is a simplified ‘free-style’ and ‘no rules’ approach to weaving. This frees SAORI weavers to create through fearless self- expression and experimentation.
After studying with talented SAORI teachers at their Studios in the United States, I then traveled to Japan for more intensive study at Saori NoMori in Osaka. I met SAORI Founder Misao Jo, and was guided by her son Kenzo Jo and his team of amazing instructors. This was a career high point for me! In 2017 I was honored to be accepted as a Registered SAORI Studio and Instructor, and I opened Wimberley Valley SAORI in the Texas hill country. www.wimberleyvalleysaori.com
In the studio, I invest a bit of myself in each piece that I create, and with each student I welcome. They are always surprised to see how texture and color combine resulting in something beautiful and unique. Going back full circle to my early roots, I’m once again teaching and creating ‘art-wear’ through textiles and fiber arts!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My road has actually been pretty smooth when I sit and reflect, however there have been quite a few pivots a long the way. I would explain that as a natural expansion of thought, as I have made many friends and met artists who have influenced my journey along the way.
Making time for everything I love to do is a constant challenge!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I spend a lot of my time sharing SAORI weaving at conferences, workshops, and in my Studio, but I consider myself first a ‘Maker’. I love designing wearable art using my woven fabric. Clothing that is made slowly and intentionally, with sustainable practices and recycled materials can be contemplative and it soothes my soul! Although SAORI cloth needs no embellishment, I enjoy creating design elements on each piece that are uniquely ‘me’.
“Kathleen Utts, a fiber artist and Saori weaver, transports us into a realm where fabric becomes poetry. With a profound respect for the Saori philosophy of self-expression and freedom, Utts creates woven artworks that embrace imperfection and celebrate individuality. Through her loom, she weaves a symphony of colors, textures, and fibers, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the tactile beauty of her creations. Each thread holds intention, guided by Kathleen’s intuitive spirit as she explores the interplay of yarn and other fibers. Through intricate stitching and manipulation of textiles, Utts crafts tactile narratives that explore the intersection of self- expression, beauty, and the human experience. Her artworks are not mere woven garments or tapestries but living reflections of her journey, capturing moments of serenity, joy, and contemplation. With every movement of her shuttle, Utts channels her passion for time-honored sustainable practices, utilizing creative weaving techniques and natural materials. In her weaving classes and workshops, she invites us to embrace our own uniqueness, encouraging us to discover our own creative threads and weave the fabric of our lives with purpose and authenticity.” … Artist Statement for Kathleen Utts
What matters most to you? Why?
I have come to view my sharing of SAORI weaving as a ‘ministry’ of sorts. I do very little social media and print advertising, and it is a time challenge to even keep my website updated! Yet, through word of mouth and Google searches for “SAORI WEAVING”, people find my Studio and I’ve been fortunate to meet many who are searching for a creative outlet that is both approachable and meaningful. Regular weaving groups held in my Studio offer a friendly and creative community, and it is this creation of community that has become most important to me. As in life and poetry, art can bridge grief and loneliness, happiness and beauty. Weaving is a wonderful way people can make life transitions gentler, and it has been my greatest joy to help guide that journey.
Pricing:
- Pricing for classes are available on my website
Contact Info:
- Website: https://wimberleyvalleysaori.com
- Instagram: wimberleyvalleysaori
- Facebook: wimberleyvalleysaori
