Joan Berner
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I was involved in fiber handwork from the time I was a young girl. It instilled a passion that is with me today. Working with fiber in my hands calms me down, centers me and opens a world of possibilities to me. There are endless opportunities for me to create, learn and experience joy through fiber processes.
I enjoy being challenged to learn something new, experience new processes and create new work. It keeps me focused on my craft and forces me to try to do new work. Most often I create fabric for garments or accessories. My vision of the end product directs me to explore fibers, yarns and techniques.
Being Challenged
My work has been accepted into multiple Handweavers Guild of America (HGA) Convergence shows. My work is focused on yardage exhibits and their highlighted Fashion Show. At a recent conference one of my pieces earned first place and one an honorable mention. This fashion show challenges my design sense, workmanship and ability to convey a theme. It makes me draw on a number of skills and making them come together in a successful design.
I have also participated in the annual fashion show with the Asheville Community Theater. As a community fund raiser garments must be created in a specific category of unusual materials for a garment. This type of challenge really pushes the envelope for design, theme, construction, and working with odd materials for a garment. I developed a winning garment in the Hardware category - the materials for the garment needed to come from a hardware store. This challenge with such unconventional materials helps sharpen my skills and develops an improved sense of design.
Education
My initial education was in education with a BS and MS, followed by AAS in engineering. I was first a teacher and then went to Corporate manufacturing while never loosing my love of fiber. I ran a business featuring hand dyed yarns and fibers for quite a few years. Finally able to retire I attended Haywood Community College for my dream program in Professional Crafts - Fiber. I learned more fiber techniques to help my creativity and design.
Teaching
Today I teach at local organizations, regional and international conferences. I am also fortunate to teach as an adjunct at Haywood to teach Sewing for Handwovens. It is exciting working with younger fiber artists who help me see things so differently.
Working with fiber still makes me happy and joyful. I am lucky to work in a field that I love.