Today we’d like to introduce you to Victoria Walsh.
Victoria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I picked up knotting while interning as an Art Therapist. Macrame is a craft that doesn’t require tools; you just need your hands and some version of rope, cord or yarn. That unique requirement allowed us to introduce low-cost art projects to the clients and supported a more active unit. Macrame also offered an opportunity for meditative crafting; a chance to do something with your hands instead of wringing them with the anxiety or fear that comes along with in-patient mental health processes. It showed patients that they could accomplish things one step (or knot) at a time and that the process itself is enjoyable.
Discouraged by the lack of funding and general support available for Integrated Art Therapy in the Central Florida Area, I began to stretch into the streets and “Fiber Bombed” the city with collaborative installations and workshops for all ages. I began selling my work, applying for grants, partnering with museums and local businesses to grow ‘Macrame Momma’ into the community-focused, immersive and educational knotologist that I am today.
Currently, Macrame Momma knots immersive urban installations, DIY workshops, and hand-knotted fashion specializing in synergistic events that tie together the local community.
I will be serving a residency as an Artist in Action at Art and History Museums – Maitland Sept 2019-2020.
Has it been a smooth road?
I’ve had a few knots along the way; but I’ve never met a knot I couldn’t untie! I feel that my role as local Macrame Momma has been a natural transition with the benefit of representing a community that I adore and belong to.
I’m a 3rd generation resident and focused on supporting our community by collaborating with locally owned businesses, museums, and neighborhood associations to host workshops or install pieces that represent our collective heartbeat. Being connected has truly helped me grow into the macraMAKER that I am today.
I have experienced some negative reactions in regards to the “Pride Pole” installation I knotted outside of The Center (our local LGBT+ support center). Someone was offended by our creative support towards the LGBT+ community and cut down the macrame piece from the electric pole in the middle of the night. They also showed their distaste by ripping out the surrounding landscaping and knocking over the magazine vending box for the local LGBT+ newsletter.
We responded to this hate by pulling together 37 volunteers from the neighborhood, and together, we knotted a bigger 6ft installation that we installed high above reach with the assistance of a cherry picker and local love. I am so proud to be able to use fiber art as advocacy for things that matter. The rebuild made a bigger statement than the original so I guess I have those “haters” to thank for that. The bigger, higher and PROUDER Pride Pole is currently in tack and on display for our community 10ft out of reach.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I tie together community with knots, involvement, and purpose as an activist, artist, and educator. I’m known for my interactive public art installations and educational endeavors. I’m very proud that Macrame Momma has, and continues to give, so many people an opportunity to learn a new hobby, create something for their community, and weave into a collection of people that are looking to do the sam
What do you love about our city and what do you dislike?
I have only been to Miami a handful of times. Things I can count on are good food, great art, and intriguing people. I just wish it wasn’t 4 hours away!
Contact Info:
- Website: MacrameMomma.com
- Phone: 4077544835
- Email: messagemacramemomma@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/macramemomma/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MacrameMomma/
Image Credit:
Devin Jae Photography (just for the two runway shots)
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