Jolene Northup

jolene photo

Jolene Northup is a weaver, spinner and class instructor working out of her studio located in Crooked River Ranch, Oregon. She had formal training in art and weaving at the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee where she received her BFA degree. She joined a Milwaukee textile firm as head weaving designer and was soon heading all design operations. Upon relocating to New York she became the NY Sales Representative and merchandizing manager for the same Milwaukee firm and later joined a large Canadian Textile Manufacturer as NY Sales Manager.

Since retiring from the corporate life, she has combined travel with her art endeavors. While traveling all over the US, Canada and Mexico she has been inspired by the natural beauty of creation and the primitive art of early peoples. This is reflected in her use of color and the themes of her art pieces. She is active in her studio from late spring through early fall but spends winters in the warmer climes of Arizona and Mexico. Most recently she has been associated with an archeological group doing field work on early inhabitants of Southwest Arizona.

• Northwest Coast Style

The Northwest Coast artistic style extends from Washington State to Alaska. The art forms are frequently carved in wood but during the historic age were expressed in "button blankets" and ceremonial clothing. The main themes are creatures of the land, sea and air endowed with mythical powers over common life. The weavings and appliqué works of Jolene are a tribute to the richness of these cultures and bold use of color and design.

• Southwest Symbols

During travels to Rock Art sites in Mexico, California, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico the feeling of connectedness between these early inhabitants and those who came after is a moving experience. The symbols are full of life even though we cannot decipher their meanings. These works are her attempt to reproduce the mystical life of these symbols in modern fiber art. This work is similar to the rock art using layers of color and materials to recreate the life and meaning of these symbols.

• Functional Art Pieces

Every weaver enjoys the creation of practical items that are at the same time functional as well as artistic. This provides a time to explore new weaving structures, colors, types of fibers or just more complicated weaving patterns. The results range from delicate alpaca scarves to rugged wool and linen rugs. These are the more practical products of historical weaving practices but still relevant to today's fashion and decoration through the use of color and modern fibers.