GNY EP.203 | feat. Alison Altafi — Fiber Art, Hand-Spun Yarn & Weaving in Syracuse
In this episode of Good News York, host Noah Chrysler sits down with Syracuse-based fiber artist Alison Altafi to explore the world of hand-spun yarn, round weaving, and the creative hustle behind getting art into galleries. Alison shares her journey from hobbyist to having her work featured in a Manhattan exhibition at the Untitled Space Gallery, her experience going viral with over 19 million views, and the emotional themes of joy, grief, and dichotomy that drive her art.
Alison walks us through her creative process, from raw wool to hand-spun art yarn on the spinning wheel and introduces us to her unique round weaving hoops, custom-made by metalsmith Devin of Toltech Works. She also discusses her collaborations with local fiber artists and dyers, her pieces "The Day It Happened," "The Only Way Out Is Through," and "The Art of Letting Go," and her upcoming show at Stay Fresh Gallery’s Dead Man’s Party.
Stick around until the end, where Noah tries his hand at weaving on Alison’s loom and gets a live, hands-on demonstration of the craft.
Chapters:
0:00 — Welcome & Introductions
0:49 — What Is Fiber Art?
1:36 — Hand-Spun Yarn & Materials Showcase
2:47 — "The Day It Happened" — Manhattan Gallery Feature
3:47 — The Meaning Behind the Art: Joy, Grief & Dichotomy
5:36 — Hustling in the Art World: Advice for Young Artists
7:12 — Going Viral: 19 million Views
8:11 — Navigating Online Criticism & Social Media Boundaries
9:19 — The Hand-Spinning Process: From Sheep to Yarn
11:26 — Partnering With a Metalsmith: Devin of Toltech Works
12:59 — Community Art: The Jawonio Sensory Room Sign
13:32 — "The Only Way Out Is Through" — Vintage Frames & Open Centers
15:09 — "The Art of Letting Go" & the Dead Man’s Party
16:34 — Live Weaving Demonstration
22:02 — Stay Fresh Gallery & Syracuse’s Art Scene
23:09 — Where to Find Alison: Loominarium Fiber Art
23:58 — Sponsor Shoutout & Sign-Off
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