Woven art: "Ausraster", 2022, 100cm x 82cm

"Ausraster", 2022, 100cm wide by 82cm long.

Large neutral weave hung on 1 metre long wooden dowel.

Materials: recycled jersey yarn, recycled cotton cords, cotton ropes of varying widths, merino wool roving, woollen yarn cotton yarns, crochet yarn, paper yarn, jute, chiffon strips, novelty tape yarn, copper dowel.

We all have that same problem: what to do about that large empty white wall. Well, this large weave could fill that huge gap on your wall. This artisanal piece is a real statement for your plain wall and will be a conversation starter. Full of unexpected upcycled elements, I hope that "Ausraster" will invite you and your house guest to talk about how one man's trash is another man's treasure, and the fast-paced consumption and discard happening today, and the impossibility of trash-sorting and recycling clothes.

What exactly are these upcycled elements? In the detail shots of this large weave, you will see chiffon that I salvaged from a fast fashion store. Too sweaty to wear, too unfashionable to ever get purchased at a second hand store, but otherwise perfectly fine. Too fine for the dumpster and landfill, yet impossible to give it a meaningful second life. I cut the chiffon top into strips and used them at the middle left of the weave. How often and easy is it for us to simply offload our still good-to-use trash, and how hard is it to upcycle them? I am often asked why I can't just buy ready yarns, given the spectrum of novelty yarns. I like to think of myself as some sort of Robin Hood for old garments, and as a vendor of partially-upcycled goods, I think it is unfair that up- or recycled fabrics aren't valued as much. So I hope to, through my weaves, initiate conversations about how we price virgin fabric over repurposed fabric, and overlook the skill of upcycling.

Most of this weave is composed of recycled jersey yarn. This is yarn that is produced by cutting jersey fabric into long strips, and the jersey fabric is sourced from factories and are actually last season's cast-offs. This is only a partial solution to the excesses of our consumption and the fast fashion it powers.

What is with the name "Ausraster"? It's German for freaking out. Because my art signature is about colour contrasts and clashes, and most of my other work is colourful, creating a neutral piece is my version of freaking out.

Fine art is hung and looked at from behind a glass panel. Fibre art begs to be molested. This tactile piece is meant to be touched and explored. Run your hands over the weave and explore the elements .

This weave measures 100cm at its widest, by 82cm at its longest. The copper dowel is 100cm long, but the weave itself is about 92cm wide.

As this weave is large and heavy, I recommend using 2 or 3 nails. Note that the dowel itself has a diameter of about 2cm, so do use nails that are long enough.

UNIQUE FIBRE ART —

This is a unique piece of art. I have never repeated a design, and I will not reproduce this design either.

It is ready to ship, and comes with the rod/dowel pictured. All you need is a nail that is long enough to hold the dowel.

Please keep in mind that the photos were taken indoor, with afternoon sun as illumination, but that the temperature of the photos have been adjusted to provide the closest approximation of the true colours. Depending on where you decide to hang the work, you might find the hues just slightly warmer or cooler.

This piece is a unique statement that invites conversations about textures and colour palettes. It is my desire and artistic vision that it opens dialogues about waste and recycling.

This is what your white wall needs. (No, it doesn’t need more black and white Scandinavian minimalist prints). Hang it above your bed, in your entryway, the side of your stairway, in the living room as part of a photo gallery, above the sofa, in your reading nook…

INSTALLING YOUR ARTWORK —

Fibre artworks come without nails, hooks, or screws. Please arrange for the appropriate method depending on your wall material. 

For fibre artworks that are hung on a metal rod or wooden dowel, it might look curled, crinkled, wrinkled, or crumpled after you unpack. This is because of the packing and the transit. After you hang it up, check for any tangles, and untangle by hand. Pompoms can be reshaped with a few squeezes. Use a steamer to straighter the fibres, or use a wide-toothed comb. Avoid fine-toothed combs or detangling combs. After hanging, the fibres will relax and regain their original appearance.

CARE —

Dust the artwork regularly. A simple shake will do the job. Do not wash or vacuum clean. Be careful not to pull with force. Fibre artworks with an elaborate and long fringe are not suitable for households with curious cats or grubby children’s hands, or for locations with strong sunlight or a draft. A more detailed care guide is included in the package.

PACKAGING — As you might have noticed, recycling is big on my agenda. I use recycled cartons and boxes, and only paper to package your orders. Do take care when cutting open the packages, and don't use a penknife.

GIFT — If you intend to gift the artwork, do drop me an email at hi (at) zoetanstudio.com to let me know what to write in the gift card.

SHIPPING — Why I need your phone number: for all international customers outside of Germany, I have to provide an email address and a phone number to the courier, so that they can contact you if needed. I respect your privacy and do not save your email address or phone number; the number is only for the dispatching courier.

QUESTIONS AND REQUESTS — Please contact me directly at hi(at)zoetanstudio.com.

CUSTOMS — Any custom fees that might be incurred are the buyer's responsibility. My customers have not had to pay customs yet because these are handmade pieces.

REFUNDS AND EXCHANGES — Please contact me at hi (at) zoetanstudio.com within 24 hours of placing your order for a refund or exchange. Once shipped, I cannot refund or exchange. Under European law, you have 14 days to return a product. But you must bear the return shipping costs yourself.