Doerte Weber was born in 1962 in Blender, Germany where she earned a degree in social pedagogy. After a few years of traveling and living in Asia and England, she moved to Texas in 1986.
Although she took several years of weaving classes at the Southwest School of Art in the early 1990s, she didn’t start weaving artwork until she returned from a visit to the Bauhaus Exhibit in Berlin in 2009.
Her artistic journey is deeply influenced by the pioneering spirit of the Bauhaus women weavers. These remarkable individuals were autodidacts, unburdened by preconceived notions, and embraced free experimentation in their craft. Their unwavering commitment to learning through trial and error resonates with my own path as a predominantly self-taught artist.
Her work revolves around the concept of discovering the subtle beauty concealed within our daily surroundings and transforming often-overlooked materials into expressions of art. In this process, she searches to push the boundaries of the materials she is using which enables her to tell a story. Her works are infused with traditional weaving patterns, adding texture to their surfaces and evoking a sense of familiarity and connection to our shared history. These patterns serve as a bridge between the past and the present, reminding us of the enduring threads that tie us together.
The wellspring of her inspiration is vast and ever-evolving. It draws from her experiences while traveling, the dynamics of current events, and the intricate nuances of her immediate environment. She sees her art as a way to capture a moment, to seize it and transform it through the medium of weaving and the power of human connection.
Ultimately, her goal is to create art that resonates on a profound emotional level. She aspires to kindle a sense of shared humanity in those who encounter her work, reminding them that we have more in common than what sets us apart. Through her art, she aims to inspire belief in the enduring, connective threads that bind us together, even in our increasingly complex and divided world.
Our lives and the environment are both impacted by Circular Distortion, so I would like to bring it to our attention from both perspectives. Circular distortion as a metaphor for life symbolizes the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of our existence. Life is often characterized by cycles, where we find ourselves revisiting similar situations, challenges, or emotions, but each time with a slightly different perspective or outcome. This circular distortion reflects how we learn, grow, and adapt over time, gaining new insights and wisdom with each revolution. It reminds us that life's path is not linear; it spirals, presenting us with both highs and lows, challenges and opportunities, but ultimately forming a unique and complex tapestry of experiences. Just as in optical distortion, where the center remains a focal point, our core values and purpose serve as a constant amid the twists and turns, guiding us through life's cyclical journey.
In the context of environmental challenges, circular distortion demonstrates the interconnectedness and cyclical nature of ecological challenges. Environmental problems often manifest as a result of feedback loops and interconnected systems. Actions or disruptions in one part of the ecosystem can have far-reaching consequences that reverberate through the entire environmental cycle. Circular distortion underscores the idea that environmental issues tend to circle back and compound over time, making it increasingly difficult to break free from the cycle of degradation. However, it also suggests the possibility of positive change, where conscious efforts to disrupt these harmful cycles can lead to restorative and regenerative practices that work in harmony with the environment, ultimately straightening the path toward a more sustainable and balanced world.
The Wanderer: Woven with cotton and nomadic wool, 2023, 29" x 27" in