ART+LIFE willow knows Jessica Lee
ABOUT THE ARTIST Jessica Lee works as an artist and designer. She is founder of willow knows, a hand dyed clothing and textile label. Currently inspired by place and juxtaposition within elements of the earth‘s surfaces. Working towards the tension between stillness and fluidity in fabric design, and the poetic nature of movement and progression.
Likes: lavender everything / all things white / humor /
Bob Dylan / humidity / hot places / floating in water / subtle pattern / confidence / hotel mornings / crossing state lines / desert at dusk / aesthetics / WNRN / intuition / strangers / candlelight / sunkissed / circles / sandy places / lines / delicacy / horizons / Kiki Smith / openness / smiling
Dislikes: dry skin / dust / cold anything / selfishness
/ the post office line / artificial scent / John Mayer “your body is a wonderland� / weak handshakes / malls / gas stations / fluorescent lighting / too serious / static electricity / rude drivers / rude pedestrians / loud voices / talking about myself / stagnant anything
Polaroids by Ethan Lipscomb, styled by Jess Lee
HOW DOES YOUR WORK RELATE TO YOUR LIFESTYLE?
My work relates directly to my lifestyle. Fluid, unexpected, open. It is as integral to my life as is food, water, light, love.
DESCRIBE A DAY IN THE LIFE: HOW DOES IT BEGIN? WHAT DO YOU DO? WHO DO YOU SEE?
An ideal day would begin with 70 degree temps. I’d roll out of bed early while everyone else is sleeping and throw on a silk dress. I’d brush my teeth, grab some snacks for the day, kiss my love and my pups goodbye, and head into my studio. The sun shines brightly there so I’d bask in the early morning air while I have coffee. I make lists, check emails doodle, dream, and begin my work. I end the day with yoga and a walk. A simple dinner, and bed early.
HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE THE BEAUTIFUL COLORS AND PATTERNS THROUGHOUT YOUR WORK? I use both natural and fiber reactive powered dyes on 100% natural fibers. I work loosely from an ancient Japanese tie dye technique called Shibori. I explore pattern by binding, folding, and knotting fabric with itself or with found objects.
EXPLAIN ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING ASPECTS OF YOUR WORK? A lot of what I do with silk is setting variables (heat, water, steam) for color to react to fibers. In a way, I get to sit back and watch the incredible show. The outcome of my work is, in a way, beyond my physical control. I curate the “good” and the “bad” becomes something different, always evolving.
‘‘Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing there is a field. I‘ll meet you there.“ - Rumi
Still Shot from Humble Force Film by: Eric Hurt
WILLOW KNOWS HAD A BEAUTIFUL YET INTENSE SHORT FILM MADE. DO TELL. Humbling Force is an exploration of self via an under/outer-water world The narrative is based on ideas of vulnerability, place, mind, and body.
the process
DO YOU HAVE A VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF WILLOW KNOW?
Always.
Jess takes on average at least one photo to share with the public a day. Follow her creative musings via willow knows on Instagram, @willowknows.