Meet Jennifer Sargent | Tapestry weaver and sometime weaver of scarves and maker of drawings

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Sargent and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I come from the suburbs of London, England. and I think it is more my revolt against my upbringing that started me on my present journey. My family’s expectation of me was to get a steady job with a reliable paycheck but instead I studied textiles at Hornsey College of Art in London, focusing on designing for industry. When I moved to New York City I continued on this path until I took a workshop on tapestry weaving and was asked to consider an apprenticeship at the studio. I loved tapestry, so, in the midst of NYC, I started to study an art form that is thousands of years old, even sleeping under the looms in that first floor loft in Soho so I could afford to continue. I began to consider myself an artist, went back to university and earned a Graduate Degree, became a Professor at Memphis College of Art and still teach workshops around the States.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been creative for many years having started to weave, design and draw as an undergraduate in England. After college I started professionally in the textile business in London, building up contacts and experiences. When I began afresh in New York City it was particularly difficult but I began working freelance in partnership with a friend and we expanded from small collections of commercial designs to a small line of handwoven scarves and clothing for a more boutique clientele. The more personal the work became, the more I enjoyed it and when I discovered woven tapestry that was it. Despite the risk, I committed to this art form. I was learning that I needed to listen to myself and my intuition. Tapestry, being a time consuming process, I decided to go back to grad school, to learn to pay attention to my own voice. By the time I left I could truly call myself an artist and I had the credentials to teach others.
The time that was available for art varied with each job I had but I always kept a thread going. Now I am able to concentrate more and my voice is very present in my work; color and pattern is the language I use to express my ideas whether it comes in the form of images as in my tapestries and drawings or in the texture and drape of my scarves.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
1. Crosstown Concourse is a great place to hang out. There is always something happening, it could be art, film or music, sometimes it’s planned sometimes it’s a pop-up event. I particularly like to lounge on the ground floor at French Truck Coffee or upstairs either with a drink at the Art Bar at Crosstown Arts or a visit the Memphis Listening Lab for their unique collection of music. 2. A favorite place to visit is the Metal Museum. Not only are the grounds and view of the Mississippi wonderful but the exhibitions are unique and the museum shop has some of the best art jewelry in Memphis
3. For a great snapshot of the richness of the art scene in Memphis visit David Lusk Gallery and Sheet Cake Gallery.
4. For a combination of art and garden the Dixon Gallery and Gardens cannot be bettered and for a smattering of art with a lot of garden the Memphis Botanic Gardens is just down the road.
5. For walking, fresh air and nature, there is a network of trails throughout the Memphis area, locally for me is the V & E Greenline, further out is Overton Park, Big River Crossing, Wolf River Nature Area and Shelby Farms Park
6. For fun catch the Duck Walk at the downtown Peabody Hotel at 11 am and 5 pm when the ducks march from their roof top Royal Duck Palace to the fountain in the Grand Lobby.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
the American Tapestry Alliance, tireless supporter of all things tapestry and Six Points, my especial group of artist friends, Sharon Havelka, Mary Jo Karimnia, Paula Kovarik, Carrol Harding McTyre and Mary K VanGiesen

Website: https://jennifersargent.weebly.com

Instagram: @jennifersargentstudio

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jennifer.sargent524

Image Credits
Chip Pankey Allen Mims artist