krystynasadej - A little story about me ...

Part of my Life - Tapestry weaving
by: Krystyna Szluinska-Sadej (1996)

Some people say that a tapestry weaver is a person that is chronologically out of place, who is involved with an incredibly slow process. Even for a very diligent and experienced weaver it is not easy to make a living out of weaving. For me, hand weaving is not a way of providing money but a release from the outside world and a way to stop time from rushing by. Maybe in some way, I am romantic and old-fashioned, but on the other hand, I am also modern. I used to live in a beautiful town Zakopane in the Tatra Mountains where I met many successful people like artists, writers, mountain climbers etc. They made their living there because of the amazing scenery. Many artists in Zakopane were tapestry weavers and I had always wanted to weave after observing their work. I only really began my craft after my first husband died in 1978 in a mountain climbing accident. I was left on my own with two young kids and I was very confused. I was not completely hopeless, however, because I had many friends who helped me, keeping me company and continuing their encouragement. One of them made me a beautiful frame-loom and introduced me to a famous tapestry artist, who taught me to weave. The art became (and continues to be) my remedy against depression, loneliness, and nostalgia. My second husband was a very famous Polish athlete and later the National Canadian Judo Coach. This profession caused my husband to travel a lot; I was often alone at home with my children. Being pregnant, then having four children, going through art-school, then art exhibitions was not easy. An artistic career was especially difficult to develop while living in a communist regime. In communist Poland, communist agents censored every artist before entering exhibits. Thus, creativity was hindered because every artist had to fear being suspected of fighting communist ideals through their works, and the artists could not fully express themselves. Those artists who co-operated with socialist ideals and who belonged to the communist party, making works demonstrating the "glory" of communism, would have the easier route to success. Despite the harsh realities, I kept developing as an artist. Weaving was my Panacea - along with my terrific children and my gorgeous husband (who was crazy about us). I took my children everywhere with me because I hated to leave them at home with someone else. Often, my children went to my art school with me, which helped them to develop self-confidence (since everyone loved them and treated them as they treated other students - with respect). While in Art School, I formed an Art Group, with seven weavers. Together we had ten exhibits in Poland. Unfortunately, when I left Poland, the group never exhibited any more. I guess nobody wanted to be a leader . . . In 1989, my family came to Canada, escaping the communist regime. Although we could not speak English, we had the universal language of art. We had not brought any furniture with us, but the walls were soon filled with artwork. Our art has always helped us explain our feelings, and to express the emotions we receive from the world around us. Our house is our family gallery; I collect everything that my children create. We have moved many times in Canada, but no matter where we go - we have each other. So, we have never felt lonesome. Friendless, yes...that is why I made several woven masks some time ago, to have some friends. Now, after twenty-five years of weaving and experimenting I share my skills and knowledge by teaching this beautiful craft and art to anyone who is interested. I think that weaving is fun and easy to learn, but it is easier and faster if you first know a few rules. Eventually, you can break the rules, weave in your own style, and create your own ways of expression. That is the freedom we have in Canada - to assert ourselves however we choose as artists.