By Ingrid Keneally
French-born textile artist Julie Robert, was a stylist in Paris working on advertising campaigns and magazines before her love of weaving took hold. And in 2014 Robert gave herself free rein to go into her art full time, turning stitching and natural fibres into dramatic shapes that are transfixing with their colours and shapes. The artist is now based in the South of France where – apart from her teaching – she has the space to create her weavings for clients all over the world. Her arresting weavings in unique shapes plus so much more can be seen at julie-robert.fr
- What is your current way of working with wool?
I’m in love with textures so when I start a woven piece I choose the fibres first (wool, cotton, linen, silk…) and then I take inspiration from that. I have worked like this since the beginning and it seems a good way for me.
- What was the turning-point in your early career?
Five months after I started to weave, I sold a series of tapestries, made after a trip in Iceland, to a Seattle-based shop. For me it was the beginning of this big adventure!
- What, if anything, in your childhood influenced what you do now?
My grand-mother taught me how to sew and knit when I was eight and this creative practice permitted me to develop my own creativity. Unfortunately she has never seen where my weaving has taken me as she passed away a month before I started to take it seriously as a career – but I do owe her that.
- What is the professional achievement you are most proud of?
When Instagram regrammed on their international profile one of my giant weavings (700K likes in one day), I was so proud and feel so lucky. International recognition allowed me to make my very first giant piece (5x7 feet) for a couple who live in New York.
- Which one piece of knowledge do you wish you had when you were starting out?
I wish I had to known how to manage stress. I’m very shy and even since 2014, where I have been teaching to approximatively 500 people, I am always nervous when I start a workshop. But I know people like me also because of that.
- Why do you think textiles are so fashionable right now?
Because people can buy textile pieces for art or they can also makes them on their own. In France DIY is so popular, they love knitting, crochet, weaving, learn-to-make workshops and they are inspired by creative people. I think that is the reason it has become very fashionable.
- What is your dream project?
I would love to make more larger-scale pieces and an exhibition in France, and anywhere else, is something I am working on now. One final dream would be to have my own studio.
- Which quote or thought do you live by?
I heard film director Xavier Dolan say this once, ‘Tout est possible à qui rêve, ose, travaille et n’abandonne jamais.’ (Xavier Dolan) In English - Everything is possible to who dreams, dares, works and never abandons.
- Which artists inspire you?
I’m in love with the work of Alexander Mc Queen so crazy and beautiful and the work of Meghan Bogden Shimek. I’m very inspired by her big roving experience.
- What is your favourite woollen/ cotton item?
I have a hand-knit vest made by my sweet grand-mother when I was pregnant (10 years ago), it’s a basic one in dark blue, but it’s gold for me.
- What is the current state of your work-space?
Messy. Actually it’s not a joke but I have a tiny space in my apartment so I work on my big desk and sometimes (every time) I work on the kitchen table where the light is better.
- What do you consider to be the best beginner’s task?
Go go go!
- If you were to name one KPC Yarn hue that speaks to you, which would it be?
I’m in love with the chunky Glencoul, I have one in Lagoon and it’s very soft and shiny, a pleasure to weave with.