Kristy Bishop’s work has had many iterations over the years. But the South Carolina weaver says the connective threads of color relations, texture and pattern are always present.
The artist: Born in 1986 in Alexandria, VA, Bishop grew up in Charleston, SC, with her sights set on being an artist. She graduated with a BA in art from the College of Charleston.
After graduating, she continued making art, mixing painting and embroidery. Then mostly sewing and applique pieces before moving into abstract pieces made of dyed silk chiffon.
In 2012, Bishop became a teaching artist in South Carolina schools (went full time in 2021) and started weaving as a major part of her studio practice after buying an 8-shaft floor loom.
In addition to teaching in South Carolina schools, Bishop also teaches workshops for adults at museums and other institutions throughout the state.
Over the years, she also has had several artist residencies, including the Charleston-based Gibbes Museum of Art in 2019. Bishop also has shown extensively throughout the region.
Company/studio: Kristy Bishop Studios is based in the West Ashley district of Charleston.
Bishop has a backyard studio that she and her partner built before Covid, but also uses her backyard and driveway for printing and dyeing.
Art & materials:
- Amorphous, wall works are “weavings of weavings,” with contrasting colors, unique patterns and playful lines.
- Cotton rope earrings that are hand sewn and hand dyed in various colors.
- Home textiles, like tea towels.
Bishop uses any kind of yarn (cotton, silk, linen, metallic) that has an interesting texture and colors that work together.
For her materials, Bishop shops estate sales, Facebook market (where her loom is from), Woolery online shop, and Tangles, a yarn store in Waxhaw. NC.
Favorite yarn: Lately, neon mason line.
“It’s so shiny, smooth, and bright,” said Bishop. “The smoothness makes it perfect for my inkle loom. It contrasts well with dull colors and complements the saturated ones.”
What’s popular: The MetaWeave series, which she started making in 2022. ($250 to $5,000).
Favorite tools: Inkle looms and intricately decorated rigid heddles.
The inkle loom requires little space, short amounts of time to warp and weave and accommodates her travel and teaching schedule, said Bishop.
Inspirations: Many including:
- History of textiles.
- Everyday objects, such as woven chairs from the 50s and 60s, and vines that grow on fences and abandoned houses in her neighborhood.
- Contemporary artists, such as:
- Molly Haynes, California based artist and her warp-faced chunky weavings.
- Cristina Victor, South Carolina artist for her ceramics, textiles and other mixed-media works.
- Sarita Westrup, Texas sculptural basket weaver.
- Carson Carroll, South Carolina artist known for cyanotype work about litter, waste and overconsumption.
- Morgan Hill, North Carolina jewelry maker and sculptor.
- Sophie Treppendahl, Louisiana-born painter and her analogous color schemes.
- Jason Matherly, Georgia painter of colorful, crazy-shaped wall pieces.
Recent commission: An indigo-dyed, very sheer warp for a home in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. It is perfect for a home near the ocean, she said.
What is a warp: In weaving, lengthwise yarns are called warp, and crosswise yarns are called weft, or filling. The warp is the main structure of any woven cloth. It has to be strong to support tension. The warp is also what determines the pattern.
Recent honor: The Renwick Gallery Store purchased some of Bishop’s work as a tie-in with the gallery’s current exhibit, “Subversive, Skilled, Sublime: Fiber Art by Women.” Through Jan. 5.
The gallery bought four metaweaves, six ice-dyed weavings, 20 clay resist screen-printed indigo tea towels and 20 pairs of earrings.
The Renwick Gallery is a branch of the Smithsonian American Art Museum located in Washington, D.C.
What’s new: A solo show “Pathways” at the Lyndon House Arts Center in Athens, GA. Through Aug. 31.
What’s next: In October, a solo show at the Park Circle Gallery in North Charleston.
Where to buy:
- Kristybishop.com
- The Preservation Society of Charleston shop in downtown Charleston. (http://thepscshop.com
- The Station Park Circle, a vintage store in North Charleston. (on IG: @thestationparkcircle.)
- Renwick Gallery Store, Washington, D.C. (https://saamnpgstore.si.edu).
Get social:
- Instagram: @kristy_bishop_studios
