Weaver Interview || By Brosha

I’m so happy to have yet another weaver interview to share with all of you!! Today’s interview is with Dana Juszczyk, who goes by the nickname Brosha. She has such a visually beautiful Instagram feed and her words can be so poetic, it’s a real treat to follow her account. I of course also love the unique weaves she creates! So let’s get to know Dana better…

How did you first come across weaving?

Around two years ago. I was looking for some type of creative meditation. I found images of wall hangings on the Instagram. I made one a long, long time ago when I was at school. I was probably 10 years old, but hey, some things are just like cycling-you never forget how to do it. I bought a loom and decided to give it a try.

What time of day do you feel most creative?

I am an architect working from 8 to 17 (or 8am to 5pm) so the only time I have for weaving is late afternoon and weekends. Mostly rainy weekends, which we have quite a lot- I live in Sweden. It may sounds strange but I feel most creative when I’m feeling blue. Weaving is for me the best way to forget about everything around me. Meditation at its best. Focusing on colors and patterns. I can lose myself sometimes and weave for couple of hours. It’s helped me during the darkest moment.

Do you have a creative ritual?

I need to clean my house first. I guess the artistic mess that I am creating during weaving is enough. I need to have my dog near me. I think she enjoys me just sitting still for a couple of hours. Scratching her belly from time to time.

Are you a messy creative or an organized creative?

I think I’m both. I never draw a sketch- because I know I will never stick to it- that’s the spontaneous part. But I take my time with combining colors and coming up with a main idea that I am trying to achieve- that’s the structured part.

What is your process for coming up with new ideas? Do you start with materials or an idea first?

My mood. Mostly I am trying to convince myself that I can re-invent the wheel, or at least find a new technique. Then I look at the materials I have at home and listen to them. I think they are giving a start to my ideas. I love to combine different types of wool, yarn, zpagetti- and they tell me what they want to be.

Do you have a preferred material that you like to use?

I just love to work with zpagetti cotton yarn (t-shirt yarn). It’s just so much fun. I like to create things with a certain weight to it. I like to combine it with wool and roving- soft and heavy- brings me chills how well they look together.

How is making things important in your life? What does being a maker mean to you?

It means everything to me. It’s an inseparable part of who I am. Being an architect fulfills just a bit of my creative passion for color and form. Being a maker is just in my soul.

What is your most favorite creation and why?

I think I love the most, and I am the most proud of my latest work. I think I am on the right path to find my own style. I love color, and I was a bit afraid to use it in the beginning but I am not anymore.

What advice do you have for those wanting to find their own style?

Do not be afraid of experimenting. Do not look back on what other people may think. And most important, especially if you thinking of selling your work- do not compromise on what people like, and buy more often. Thinking about business during creating or searching for your own individual style kills the important part – having fun!

||Five mini questions to get to know you a little better||

Are you a eat in or take out person?

I am vegetarian and I love to cook with organic groceries, so we like to eat at home.

If you could pick your last meal what would it be?

Sweet potatoes fries.

What is your favorite color and why?

Green. It’s a color of hope- and that what I am lacking most often.

Are you a book or movie person? And what is a good one you’d recommend?

I am a movie person. Love a good sci-fi movie. I am a Donnie Darko, Back To The Future, Moon and Interstellar kind of girl. And I adore Wes Anderson.

Do you prefer relaxing beach vacations or on the move sight-seeing vacations?

Vacation for me is all about meeting new people and their culture. So a beach full of tourist it’s always a big no no.

You can find By Brosha:

• Here at her shop www.bybrosha.etsy.com
• And on Instagram at www.instagram.com/brosha_me where she has the most beautiful dog and the loveliest home surrounding her weaves!

Thanks Dana!! (side note – I’m totally on the same movie vibe as you)

I love how Dana listens to her materials, I can absolutely relate to having a general idea but then letting my weave take over. Also what great advice on finding your own style. I agree that if you’re selling, don’t get wrapped up in making what will sell if it’s not true to you as a maker.

What is your favorite By Brosha weave? Is there anything from Dana’s answers that resonates with you?

Happy Weaving!

Kate

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