Amanda Rataj
What’s your story?
I studied photography in university and became interested in weaving when my mum took it up. I’ve always been keen on materiality — touch is an important sensation and working with textiles has lots of opportunity for material engagement.
After a few years I began to sell my work at a friend’s shop, which focused my making in a different way and kept one project leading into another. Now I make hand woven textiles for the home and body as well as share my pattern design work as downloadable PDFs on my own website. I exhibit my work professionally and have given numerous artist talks and lectures as well as teaching small workshops and classes. I write a monthly weaving how-to column for Gist Yarn and Fiber as well as a monthly studio newsletter — it’s usually half about my work and half about interesting things I’ve come across, read, or experienced.
Where are you located?
Ontario, Canada
What are your values?
My textiles respond to tradition with a modern lens for colour, texture, and pattern, reimagining traditional formula to make textiles for contemporary life. I work with natural fibres like organic cotton, linen, wool, and hemp, which are environmentally friendly and bio-degradable — it’s important to me that my weaving practice is environmentally responsible and I work with organic, local, or recycled materials when possible. I occasionally use natural dyes like indigo, black walnut, onion, and dandelion, and grow and recycle my own plant matter.
As a contemporary weaver, my aim is to create simple textiles for everyday utility — contemporary craft and modern heirlooms. I strongly believe that craft is meant to be used as a part of your daily life and that it enriches you and your experience of the world.
Do you sell your work?
I occasionally sell textile pieces on my website, and in the past I’ve done one or so in-person shows a year.
Weavers can purchase my weaving patterns on my website, and find others online at Gist Yarn and Fibre or in the pages of VÄV Magasinet.
Are you open to collaborations or custom work?
I am always interested and willing to collaborate or take commissions for custom work or something I’ve made in the past — just reach out if you have a question about something!
Where can we learn more about your work and sign up for your newsletter?
Website: www.amandarataj.com | Instagram: @amandarataj
Sign up for the newsletter HERE.
