We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Trudy Thomson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Trudy, thanks for joining us today. Alright – so having the idea is one thing, but going from idea to execution is where countless people drop the ball. Can you talk to us about your journey from idea to execution?

In the early seventies I attended fiber art classes at Rochester Institute of Technology. And over the years have taken numerous classes at Penland School of Crafts. As a weaver I have explored woven fabric structure, including four harness patterns, double weave, Rya rug techniques and a range of tapestry techniques: split, interlock, and dovetailed flat weaves, as well as sumac and egyptian knots. For the past few years I have used a range of variegated dyed fibers which I position to denote shifts in visual space.

How do I begin each piece?

My tapestry work usually begins with a detailed design I have laid out on a grid of graph paper to define my intended composition. I then apply color to various portions. These designs are a reference as I work. I enjoy repetition of form, shape and color. So there are contrasts as well as complimentary statements. And planned as well as unexpected variations because of the fiber I use.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My work has been shown in many local and regional galleries and I have been on the board of various Craft Guilds in my area and in charge of marketing for local galleries.

My work is definitely unique and when visitors view my work on display they usually exclaim how lovely it is.

I also have my own gallery on my property. And a few times a year many visitors stop by during the local Orange County Artist Guild Tour here in North Carolina.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

I regularly use mailchimp and include a video I make each month that shows them my recent work/and or work on display at local galleries. Over 900 people receive my emails and few disengage.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I have had a website I have maintained and regularly post new videos or other items on it. I use Animoto which is very easy to use by including images. I post my videos to Facebook and also send out announcements through mailchimp. I found a service online that provides you with emails for folks that live in your area and are interested in a certain topic. I paid the fee and got around 800 emails for people interested in the arts. My website is: https://fernsandfancy.gallery

Contact Info:

• Website: https://fernsandfancy.gallery

Image Credits

I took all photographs so have all rights to images