The Queue: Trish Andersen
Get to know the people featured in the pages of our magazine as they share what's inspiring them right now.
A biweekly roundup for and by the craft community, The Queue introduces you to the artists, curators, organizers, and more featured in the current issue of American Craft. We invite these inspiring individuals to share personally about their lives and work as well as what's inspiring them right now.
Trish Andersen is a Savannah, Georgia—based textile artist who takes a painterly approach to the technique of rug tufting, with recent works resembling draped, dripping, abstract expressionist–like canvases. Her work is feauted in the "Noted" section of the Winter 2022 issue of American Craft alongside two other artists using tufting to vibrant and playful effect.
Trish Andersen. Photo by Adam Kuehl.
How do you describe your work or practice?
I am a fiber artist who primarily uses a tufting gun.
The past 18 months has presented many challenges, from a global pandemic to renewed urgency around issues of racial equity and police brutality. As we slowly move into a post-pandemic world, how are you finding beauty and staying grounded?
I am grateful for my studio practice. Creating art is how I am able to process the world around me. I do not know what I would have done without my little yarn bubble.
Photo by Chia Chong.
The theme of the newest issue of American Craft is "Wonder." Can you reflect on that theme as it relates to your work and practice?
My work and practice is driven by the energy of wonder and curiosity. Constantly learning, exploring, playing, testing, and in turn I am rewarded with the sense of wonder when I see a finished piece in front of me that didn't exist in the world a few short days ago.
What has been the biggest barrier you have had to break through to get to the place you’re at with your career?
I am 38, and so my career has had many twists and turns, from working in the event/set design world in NYC to my fine art career now. For many years, I followed opportunity as it arose (i.e. I did whatever people would hire me to do/make). It took me taking stock of what I really loved and wanted to do and then taking big risks and sacrifices by saying no to anything that didn't fall in line with those dreams. I'm grateful for everything I learned through each job and experience. Without it I wouldn't be where I am today.
What’s one of your go-to/favorite tools in your toolkit that the world should know about?
The tufting gun of course! Single needle tufting guns are primarily used in the manufacturing of tufted rugs, but I use it to create my art. Unlike the more linear process of weaving, tufting has a freedom much like that of paint or drawing since you can jump around your "canvas."
What’s your favorite social media post you’ve seen recently?
Probably anything that has a cute kitty in it.
What’s an exhibition or art project you think the world should know about, and why?
I am always into the exhibitions at SCAD MOA. One of my favorite artists, Patrick Dougherty, just completed a incredible installation there.
What research or writing are you doing, or seeing others do, that’s kinda cool, and why?
I am from Dalton, Georgia. It is the "Carpet Capital of the World" and is where wall to wall carpet was invented. I am constantly doing research into the development of carpet industry there since it's such a part of my personal history and directly relates to the work I am doing now. Interestingly enough, Dalton was the chenille bedspread capital prior to carpet, and the whole thing was started by a woman hand making a chenille bedspread. It blows my mind!
What podcast should we be listening to right now, and why?
I find the podcast Ologies super interesting. They delve into a different "ology" each episode and I always learn something new.
What book should we be reading or paying attention to right now, and why?
I'm obsessed with my friend and artist Serban Ionescu's book with Apartamento magazine called A Thing on a Table in a House. The book is a sculpture in itself and brings a smile to my face.
If you could purchase any craft artist's work for your home or studio, whose would it be?
I dream of filling my house with Max Rauber's ceramics, Mychaelyn Michalec's textile paintings, and anything from Paul Hunter Speagle.
Are you binge watching anything right now?
I am a big tv binger. It's my way to disconnect. Right now I'm anxiously awaiting new Succession episodes.
Ceramics by Max Rauber. Photo courtesy of the artist.
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