Jo Hesse

Jo Hesse studied painting and textile design in Germany at the Freie Hoch Schule Stuttgart where she first became enchanted by felt. While living in Germany she traveled extensively throughout Turkey and spent time in the workshop of UNESCO honored master feltmaker Mehmet GirgiƧ, learning traditional Turkish rug making and millinery techniques. She now lives in Northampton Massachusetts.

Feltmaking is one of the most ancient technologies, predating weaving and other yarn-based textiles. It is a process that occurs naturally to some extent, but in Central Asia, where sheep were first domesticated the technology was refined into an art form. Techniques for decorating the felt, using differently colored wools to create intricate patterns, were developed and passed on through generations of craftsmen. Jo uses the traditional methods which she learned in Turkey to create modern and distinctive area rugs, and explores the many dimensions of her aesthetic as an artist and designer.

Read More

Appearances

Laudable Footer

Are you on the list?

Sign-up and be the first to know about upcoming concerts and special events.

Behind The Scenes

Connect on Social

crossmenu linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram