Pamela Palma on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Pamela Palma shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Pamela, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
That is an excellent question. Most non artists assume that we artists just magically create. As if we have a thought, we wave a magic wand an poof! Art appears.

The reality is so vastly different. I am a contemporary fiber artist; most of my work is woven on floor looms. The planning and designing processes can take weeks or months. Ditto the actual weaving. And then there is the finishing, also time consuming. It is a long process.

My starting points are a) what colors are calling me at the moment? b) what do I feel like making? c) what pattern(s) will work for this idea?

Next: Do I have the yarn I need to make this? If not I have to order it from a company that carries weaving yarns.

Then, I repeatedly study the pattern/design, considering options for my project. I do all the designing with my brain, not on a computer. My brain is a computer. I work with traditional weaving patterns, modified into contemporary context to appeal to current markets.

Once all this creative designing has satisfied me, I begin the process of making the work. This in itself is multi faceted; many, many steps are involved *before* actual weaving begins.

So, when people ask, and they always do, “How long did it take you to make this?” I have no definitive answer other than:
“It is not measurable,” “it depends,” “as long as it takes.”

Please, please, never ask that question! It is totally irrelevant. Just appreciate my efforts, skills, talents, and decades of experience, which has produced this beautiful art.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the Accidental Weaver. I began designing with fiber in childhood with a focus on clothing and accessories. I repeatedly dodged opportunities to learn to weave until the Fates caught up with me at University. My design curriculum included weaving! It was magic and I was hooked.

My woven fiber art goes in multiple directions. I create art for the wall that I submit for exhibitions. These works may be totally woven with yarn, like a beautiful tapestry. Or I may incorporate non traditional materials for works conveying social or political commentary. I do these in ways that is intriguing, subtle, with innuendos.

I also create Art to Use – table linens, tea towels, runners – and Art to Wear – scarves, shawls, ruanas, ponchos.

Always, my work is 100% original and one of a kinds. I create my own patterns, designs, and colorways. I only make one of each because we are each unique and deserve to have our own unique hand woven artworks.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I recall very early on, as a small child, being able to look at an item and figure out how it was made. That was my design brain clicking on and getting me started for everything. I was making things of my own design since 4-5 years old, and ever since.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There was a time I worked corporate, for arts organizations. It was rewarding in its own way but also sucked the life out of me. I had no time or energy to create. I wouldn’t say I almost gave up but I did put my work on hold for a time.

Someone said, just because you are currently not creating, doesn’t mean you are not an artist. You are just on a break. So true! My art has thrived since I took that break.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What important truth do very few people agree with you on?
Things are not what they seem. There is more to life than what we see with our physical eyes.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
Creating is what I do. It is who I am. It is me. I have to create, preferably with thread, yarn, cloth.

It is not something I do to pass the time or as a side gig. I am a creator. Of things.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pamelapalmadesigns.com
• Instagram: @PamelaPalmaDesigns
• Linkedin: no
• Twitter: no
• Facebook: Pamela Palma Designs and Pamela Palma
• Yelp: no
• Youtube: no
• Soundcloud: no
• Other: no

Image Credits
Silver Arts image by Chris Faries