We were lucky to catch up with Jen Duffin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Jen, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

Despite being very creative and artistic as a child, I had largely lost touch with my creative self as an adult. Feeling a little out of touch with myself after the birth of my second child, I began a daily art practice wherein I would sketch or draw for 20 minutes a day without any criteria or plan. This practice really opened up the floodgates in my brain and I began drawing and painting regularly, as well as giving macrame a try. Initially I had just wanted to make some basic plant hangers for my home, but the tactile nature of the fiber coupled with the repetitive knot tying really had me hooked and I began to explore that craft more. After dabbling in macrame for a few months, trying another fiber art practice seemed to be the logical next step and so I ordered myself a loom and some fibres from an Etsy seller. I first learned to weave by taking an online class – I can’t say enough how my love for weaving was immediate. I completely fell in love with the process, losing myself in the back. and forth motion of the shuttle. Practice is really key with weaving – and I warped my loom and wove almost every day. I also experimented with as many styles and techniques as I could – and after some time really found my voice through fiber.

Jen, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am a fiber artist from Montreal, Quebec, Canada. My primary practice is frame-loom weaving, but I also do punch needle, fiber emballage, and macrame. My work is rooted in joyful expression – I love bright colours and interesting textures and I explore both in my body of work. I am definitely known for my rainbow pallets and use of bright, jewel toned materials. I mostly work on a commission basis now, creating works for clients both for their homes or business spaces.

In addition to my own creative practice I also love to share my love of weaving with others! I teach classes regularly both online and in person, and I also have a book coming out this September with Page Street Publishing. I also have two ecourses available that will teach you to weave in the comfort of your own home.

I work from my home studio in Montreal and run all aspects of my business myself. I live with chronic illness and am a parent so having flexible, creative work is really ideal for me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is how it connects me to others. Because of my health issues, it can be challenging for me to be social or participate in life outside of my home and routine. Making art for my clients as well as teaching has connected me with people from all over the world in the most lovely way. I love helping people connect to their creative selves, especially when they don’t see their creative potential themselves. (For the record, I think everyone is creative, you just have to find your medium!) I also really love connecting and collaborating on art pieces that I create for clients – the process of working with another person to create art for their home is often really personal and I love that I get to bring colour and joy to other people.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I think the best advice I can give around social media is to be yourself! Yes following trends will get you views and follows, but those aren’t necessarily the people who will buy your art. I think having an audience of authentic and connected followers is the best way to go, and you will find those by consistently showing up and being yourself. I think it’s also great to show other aspects of your life because folks really like to find that human connection. Oh and people always love a little tutorial, advice, or some behind the scenes peeks.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.novamercury.com
• Instagram: novamercury

Image Credits
Jen Duffin