Janette Gross
Ice Break, 2018
36 in x 24 in
Janette Gross
Breaking Apart, 2019
36 in x 12 in
Janette Gross’s Artist Statement
Almost all my work is in the technique called wedge weave, deflected warp or pulled warp. This weft-faced technique originated with blankets woven by the Diné Nation (Navajo) in the late 19th century. The defining feature of wedge weave is that it is woven on the diagonal which distorts the warp and results in wavy or scalloped edges. I add a card-woven edge to my pieces to further define the scallops and create a neat and even selvedge. I also often create open or closed slits in a piece to allow for more design options. I mostly use wool singles but I will use whatever works in a piece. I dye or over-dye my yarn with natural dyes and I often use a resist dye technique to add more interest and depth. After the yarn is dyed, I add extra twist with an electric spinning wheel to make the yarn more light reflective and to give the piece more definition. I have worked diligently to master my technique so that I am able to control it just enough to be proud of my weaving, but not so much that it no longer surprises me. And wedge weave is full of wonderful surprises.
I like to work in a series of three or more pieces with a similar theme. The pieces shown here come out of my concern over global warming and the melting of glaciers and disappearing icebergs.
Janette Gross
Vanishing Glaciers, 2019
48 in x 24 in
Janette Gross’s Biography
After many years of working full-time, I learned to weave in a one-day class at the Taos Wool Festival in New Mexico. I began taking classes and workshops to advance my skills. I feel very fortunate to have had many amazing teachers. Most importantly, for over 15 years, I have spent many wonderful hours with five other inspiring and creative weavers in the studio of our friend and weaving mentor, Martha Stanley.
My work has been accepted and shown in juried competitions, most recently in the American Tapestry Biennial 13. I have also been involved with an ongoing program to teach and assist weavers who are blind or visually impaired to create many lovely woven pieces. I am currently ATA’S Treasurer.