Jessica Hagar
textiles
Jessica Rose Hagar grew up in the town of McMinnville, TN., with its beautiful national park and nurseries allowing her to develop a love for the natural world. Her passion for art grew through community art programs until she began her college career at Tennessee Technological University desiring to teach art. She soon realized how much she enjoyed working in the fibers studio at the Appalachian Center for Craft in Smithville,TN. In 2015, she made her debut with her BFA Thesis Exhibition show titled Moments of Clarity. She has been nationally nominated for a NICHE Award three years running; awarded Juror’s Choice Award at TN Tech’s Annual Juried Student Show Exhibition and 3rd place at the Spotlight on Student Fiber Trends Exhibition, Lamar Dodd School of Art. In 2014, Jessica lived in New York City did an internship for Mandy Kordal of KORDAL Knitwear allowing her to work in the fashion industry.
Eco printing or eco dyeing is a contemporary application of the traditions of natural dyeing. Plants are enclosed in textiles or paper, bundled by winding over rods or stacked in layers and then steamed or immersed in hot water to extract the pigments and produce a print made with plant dyes. Direct and close contact between the plant and the substrate is essential. Leaves, stems, bark, flowers, buds, seeds and roots may be used; At different seasons of the year, different pigments may concentrate in various plant parts so great color variability is possible – and desirable!
Hagar delights in all types of fiber art, but textiles intrigues her the most because of its unlimited possibilities. Working on a loom, enables her to manipulate colors only created through the weaving process. Inspired by the world around her, using local materials to make dyes and inspire fabrics, Hagar’s designs become wearable or decorative pieces of art. With deeper understanding of the process, she is able to be more conscious and purposeful in the intended work. At the point in which understanding is made Hagar believes that is when an artist can truly create. Through her art she hopes to inspire others to appreciate and keep these ancient craft traditions alive.
